Kalonzo queries State over disappearance of blogger Maverick Aoko

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has hit out at the Kenya Kwanza government over what he termed as State-sanctioned abductions and extrajudicial killings.

Kalonzo, speaking during an opposition press address on Wednesday, raised alarm over the recent dawn arrest of activist Boniface Mwangi, as well as the reported disappearance of vocal blogger and prominent X personality Maverick Aoko.

The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya pointman noted that, while Mwangi has since been released, Aoko is yet to be seen since going missing last week, with even her family members saying they do not know her whereabouts.

“Over the past three days, Maverick Aoko and Boniface Mwangi have been kidnapped from their houses. After being freed, Mwangi was accused of inciting others. It's still unclear where Ms. Aoko is,” Kalonzo said.

“The most alarming is that public mortuaries in Thika and Nairobi are requesting court orders to dispose 201 unclaimed dead bodies that the police have dropped off in the past year.”

Kenyans on X have noted with concern lack of activity on Aoko’s account over the last week. However, a post on her verified account on Monday from her supposed “aide” noted that she had opted to travel upcountry and stay there, only returning to the city for court appearance in an ongoing case where she was accused of publishing false information.

The post went ahead to intimate that Aoko travelled back to Nairobi two weeks ago and found her home vandalized, with her building caretaker allegedly informing her of “strange men hovering around, asking of her whereabouts.”

“Days later, she was interviewed by AFP about her arrest ordeal & continued threats. After her tweet on Mr. ‘F’, she went incognito, which we (family & friends) thought it normal, perhaps she just wanted to confuse enemies,” stated the X post.

“We still don't know her whereabouts. Whom do we report to? Same police who told her lawyers point-blank, ‘we are coming for her.’ If they took her, we're asking that they produce her, if she is hiding, we pray that she is safe and will reach out in whatever discreet way just so we can all have peace of mind.”

Kalonzo went ahead to slam telecommunications companies for allegedly colluding with police to illegally access personal information that is then used to track down, harass, and abduct Kenyans perceived to be opposed to government policies.

“We condemn all telecommunications companies, including Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom Kenya, as well as any Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), for illegally providing location records and data to security agents. Please be aware that you, too, will be held criminally culpable and responsible for Kenyan harassment, abduction, and extrajudicial killings,” he stated.

“The significant increase in arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings should deeply concern not only law-abiding Kenyans, but also the international community and our development partners.”

Kalonzo further called for the resignation of President William Ruto for what he termed as returning the country to a “police state,” and for going against the oath of office he took to obey the Constitution of the land.

He slammed the President over his constant denial of knowledge of abductions and extrajudicial killings, despite the same having been confirmed even by his now impeached deputy Rigathi Gachagua, adding that he carries the biggest responsibility for such happenings hence should abdicate his role.