29 people still missing as police deny role in anti-tax bill protest abductions

Appearing before the Committee on Administration and Internal Security, the IG dismissed reports of police abducting and killing Kenyans who were linked to the protests, citing that the officers always engage in lawful arrests. 

He referenced cases of public figures such as activist Morara Kebaso, journalist Macharia Gaitho and politician Jimi Wanjigi were sensationalized as the officers followed the law when making the arrests. 

The IG recorded that out of the 57 cases; 22 have since been found alive, 29 are still missing while six were found dead. 

"I've made it clear, police don't abduct or kidnap, we detain and keep inside stations whereby investigations commence. Those found to meet the threshold of being taken to the court are arraigned while those who don't are set free," Kanja said. 

Despite acknowledging that the anti-Finance Bill protests were intended to be peaceful, he noted that some of the suspects took the opportunity to cause violence and destroy property. 

He noted that 1,552 suspects have since been arrested owing to the protests after the officers traced them through the CCTV footages. 

Kanja termed the reports of police abductions from social media as 'propaganda', noting that the officers diligently carried out their duties. 

"Some of the suspects caught on CCTV were not arrested immediately as the police gathered all the required information. Later on they were arrested and brought before a court of law," the IG noted. 

The IG confirmed that the majority of the missing cases are still active as they are pending more information to be provided.

He referenced the case of Wajir MCA Yussuf Hussein who has been missing since September 13, 2024. 

"So far, after the report was made, we have carried out our investigations and it remains active. We have not gotten additional information of his (Hussein's) whereabouts. We are still appealing to the members of the public with information that can assist us to come forward," he noted. 

Kanja's remarks come amid concerns raised by the public over police brutality meted on its citizens who were linked to the protests.

Videos shared online show police bundling various Kenyans into cars before speeding off and taken into unknown locations. Some of the suspects show up days later in police stations, while others vanish. 

Further, the international community have also voiced concerns over recent abductions, appealing to police officers to follow the law when carrying out arrests.