As Kenya welcomed the new year, celebrations were marred by a heightened sense of fear and uncertainty, stemming from an alarming surge in abductions and enforced disappearances across the country. The growing number of such cases has left families in distress and citizens questioning their safety, casting a shadow over the nation’s entry into 2025.
On Boxing Day 2024, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released disturbing data revealing that 82 people have been reported abducted over the past six months, with 29 still missing. Among the missing is human rights activist Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull. A statement from the Commission, signed by Chairperson Roseline Odede, highlighted that 13 additional cases of abductions or enforced disappearances were reported in the last three months alone. Of these, seven occurred in December 2024, and six individuals remain unaccounted for, increasing the number of missing persons to 29 since June 2024.
KNCHR’s statement strongly linked the surge in abductions to the Gen Z protests against the Finance Bill 2024. These protests, which saw demonstrators breach the National Assembly, sent shockwaves through the country, culminating in President William Ruto’s decision to veto the Bill. The subsequent political shifts, including the dissolution and reconstitution of the Cabinet and President Ruto’s rapprochement with opposition leader Raila Odinga, did little to alleviate the fears of many.
However, some relief was seen on January 6, 2025, when Gideon Kibet, alongside four other individuals—Billy Mwangi, Bernard Kavuli, Rony Kiplangat, and Peter Muteti—was released after public outcry and mounting threats of protests demanding government accountability.
In a statement following his release, Kibet thanked Kenyans for their support, but expressed caution regarding the circumstances of his abduction. “I thank all Kenyans who raised their voices for our freedom. While I am relieved to be home, the pain of those still missing lingers. This fight for justice must continue,” said Kibet.
Billy Mwangi’s family, though grateful for his return, has called for clarity surrounding the abductions. “We are happy to have our son back, but the question remains: why was he taken in the first place? This is a pattern that cannot be ignored,” said Regina Wairimu, Billy’s mother.
Despite the release of several individuals, concerns remain as many, such as Steve Kavingo Mbisi, continue to be unaccounted for. Human rights groups have strongly condemned the ongoing trend of enforced disappearances and urged the government to take decisive action. “These abductions are a gross violation of human rights. Releasing a few does not absolve the state from its duty to protect all its citizens,” said activist John Gitonga.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has alleged that Kibet was abducted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after leaving his office. However, the DCI has denied any involvement, as has Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja regarding all abduction cases.
The government has faced mounting criticism for its handling of the issue. While President Ruto has pledged to end the abductions, his call for parents to raise disciplined children has been widely interpreted as an attempt to deflect responsibility. The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) continues to investigate allegations of police involvement in the disappearances.
The abductions have become a political flashpoint, with opposition leader Raila Odinga calling for immediate action, while religious leaders, including Mombasa Archbishop Martin Kivuva, have condemned the acts and called for the government to restore trust with the public.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has taken significant action in response to the reports of abductions and forced disappearances. On December 29, 2024, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga instructed the National Police Service (NPS) and IPOA to expedite investigations into these incidents. Ingonga expressed deep concern over the disappearances of at least five individuals in December 2024, all of whom were vocal critics of President Ruto’s administration.
Security experts are also raising alarms over the nature of these abductions, suggesting that the precision involved points to well-trained operatives rather than ordinary criminals. “The precision of the abductions can only be carried out by well-trained individuals and not ordinary criminals who might have the audacity and capacity to do such missions,” noted George Musamali, a former Embakasi paramilitary police instructor turned security analyst.
As Kenya steps into 2025, the nation remains gripped by uncertainty. While the release of some abductees offers hope, the continuing disappearance of others casts a dark shadow over the new year, leaving Kenyans yearning for safety, justice, and accountability.