‘We do not abduct people!’ Police say some reported disappearances staged

The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed allegations linking its officers to the abduction of protesters and other individuals, terming the claims “false, misleading, and unsupported by any credible evidence.”

In a statement issued on Friday, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the service does not engage in abductions, reiterating that all arrests are conducted strictly within the confines of the Constitution and the law.

"The NPS does not abduct people. Its mandate is unequivocal: to maintain law and order, prevent and detect crime, protect life and property, and arrest suspects strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law," Nyaga said.

According Nyaga, every arrest is recorded in the Occurrence Book (OB), processed through lawful procedures and suspects are presented before court within the timelines prescribed by law.

The NPS Spokesperson further maintained that police station is currently holding any person reported or alleged to have been abducted.

"Furthermore, the Service confirms that it is not involved in any abductions, and no police station is currently holding any person reported or alleged to have been abducted," Nyaga added.

The NPS said it investigates every report of a missing person or alleged abduction promptly and professionally, noting that some investigations have established that certain disappearances were deliberately staged.

"In some instances, investigations have established that disappearances were staged with the intent to mislead the public or undermine confidence in the Service. Where criminal conduct is established, the law will be applied without hesitation," Nyaga said.

Police have urged anyone with credible information regarding missing persons or alleged abductions to report the matter to the nearest police station, while calling on the public, media and civil society organisations to verify information before sharing it.

The service also reiterated that its operations are subject to oversight by independent institutions, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the courts and Parliament.

The statement comes amid continued public concern over allegations of enforced disappearances and abductions following recent demonstrations in parts of the country.

The police said they remain committed to professionalism, respect for human rights and adherence to the Constitution and all other relevant laws.