Gov’t vows to address cases of abduction, arbitrary arrests during protests

The government has committed to take action against any security personnel involved in abductions and arbitrary arrests during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 and anti-government protests.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki in a statement on Tuesday reiterated his recent sentiments that those found culpable of the alleged disappearances and any other unlawful detentions would face the full force of the law.

Even though Kindiki did not outline any specific cases, he said the government was aware of certain claims and that investigative agencies had since launched a probe into the matter.

“The Government has noted with concern claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by security personnel,” said Kindiki.

“Independent Constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and prosecute any person or official who may be implicated with violating the Constitution by perpetrating confinement of any person outside the law.”

The CS underscored that security agencies had a duty to adhere to the rule of law while making arrests and detention so as to ensure they do not interfere with the rights of Kenyan citizens.

“All persons within the territory of Kenya are protected from unlawful or arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances or any other illegal method of confining suspected criminals for purposes of investigations for prosecution or for whatever purpose whatsoever,” he stated.

“The Government reiterates its duty to respect and ensure the protection of all constitutionally guaranteed rights and will not condone any violation whether perpetuated by security personnel or by public or private persons.”

On matters of police officers using excessive force on demonstrators which led to loss of lives and injuries during the protests, Prof Kindiki said that appropriate action would be taken against any security officer who acted outside the law.

He likewise said that a probe was underway to nab all violators of the law, especially the criminals who reportedly infiltrated the peaceful protests started by the Gen Zs to cause mayhem and destroy property.

“As the conversation on taxation and other priority national issues commence, the process of accountability for serious crimes that resulted in loss of life, destruction of property and breach of the peace is simultaneously underway,” he said.

“To avoid repeat behaviour of impunity, the organisers, planners and financiers of the crimes that were committed against the people of Kenya in the pretext of peaceful demonstrations will be prosecuted once the ongoing investigations are completed. In the same vein, any infractions or excesses by law enforcement officers will be investigated and appropriate action taken on those found culpable.”

Last week, Kindiki pledged to prevent any planned crime or destruction as a result of the ongoing anti-government protests across the country saying that some criminals posing as protestors infiltrated peaceful protests in order to loot, destroy property, and cause public unrest.

He issued a stern warning to the perpetrators, stating that security agencies would prevent such incidents at any cost, further claiming that the protests were politically motivated and that the government would address the issue.

During a recent interview with Citizen TV’s The Explainer Show on Thursday, Kindiki dismissed claims of abductions and defended some of the acts by police officers to don civilian outfits.