LSK Calls Out Police IG After Remarks On Abductions

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has criticized the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, for his response to the recent wave of alleged abductions. LSK president Faith Odhiambo stated that it is not enough for Kanja to simply deny police involvement without outlining specific steps being taken to address these violations. Odhiambo emphasized that the Inspector-General’s office is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and called for decisive action to protect citizens and restore public trust.

Kanja had previously stated that the National Police Service is not involved in any abductions and that no police station is holding the reported abductees. However, LSK insists that if the police are not complicit, they must investigate and prosecute those responsible for the abductions. The LSK also called for a national dialogue on enforced disappearances and a comprehensive strategy to combat these violations.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that 82 persons have been abducted since June this year, with 29 still missing. In the last three months, there have been 13 reported cases, with seven in December alone. One person has been found, but six remain missing: Steve Mbisi from Machakos, Billy Mwangi from Embu, Peter Muteti from Nairobi, Bernard Kavuli from Nairobi, Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull from Nairobi, and Rony Kiplang’at from Kiambu.

The Inspector General’s denial of police involvement in the alleged abductions has several significant implications for the country’s security sector:

1. Erosion of Public Trust: The public’s trust in the National Police Service (NPS) is likely to diminish further. Despite the IG’s assurances, the persistence of abductions and the lack of accountability have led to widespread skepticism and disbelief among the public and various stakeholders, including human rights organizations and political leaders.
2. Increased Scrutiny and Investigations: The denial has prompted increased scrutiny and investigations by independent bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). These bodies are now more actively probing the alleged involvement of police officers in the abductions, which could lead to internal disciplinary actions or prosecutions if evidence of police involvement is found.
3. Political and Social Unrest: The situation has fueled political and social unrest, with prominent figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accusing the government of using abductions to silence critics. This has led to calls for the resignation of top security officials, including the Inspector General of Police, and has intensified the public outcry for justice and accountability.
4. Impact on Rule of Law and Human Rights: The ongoing abductions and the NPS’s denial of involvement undermine the rule of law and human rights in Kenya. The judiciary and various human rights organizations have condemned the abductions, emphasizing that such actions violate constitutional rights and have no place in a democratic society.
5. Operational Challenges for the NPS: The NPS faces significant operational challenges as it tries to distance itself from the abductions while also addressing the public’s concerns. The lack of transparency and the failure to provide concrete evidence of their non-involvement could hinder their ability to effectively carry out their mandate of ensuring public safety and security.