Abducted Kenya School of Law Student Leader Joshua Okayo Found Tortured Near Maragua River
Joshua Okayo, a student leader from the Kenya School of Law, has been discovered near the Maragua River in Murang’a County, ending a harrowing ordeal that began with his abduction last Wednesday.
The news of his rescue emerged on Friday, June 28, ending two nights of horror for the family and friends.
His recovery follows intense pressure from human rights organizations and opposition figures, notably Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Okayo was found visibly shaken, weak, and bearing clear signs of torture, sparking widespread outrage and concern.
Fredrick Otieno, Okayo’s brother, was among the first to reach him and confirmed that Joshua was in significant pain, necessitating immediate medical attention.
“In a statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo confirmed that Joshua Okayo, along with another abducted individual named Regis Wanjala, had been abandoned at undisclosed locations following their abductions. ‘We have received confirmation that two individuals were abandoned at undisclosed locations after being abducted,’ she stated.
Odhiambo disclosed that Okayo was discovered in Murang’a after being taken from his residence in Rongai, while Wanjala was found in a tea plantation in Ruiru. ‘Joshua Okayo was abandoned in Murang’a after his abduction from Rongai on Wednesday,’ she added.
Both individuals are currently receiving medical attention and are recovering from the traumatic experience.
Okayo was swiftly transported to Avenue Hospital in Thika, where he remains under close medical supervision, with a particular focus on the psychological trauma he endured.
Odhiambo emphasized the need for justice and accountability for these distressing incidents involving law enforcement.
The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the safety of student activists in Kenya, especially those outspoken against recent government policies.
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The legal community is now demanding a thorough investigation into Okayo’s abduction and calling for accountability from the authorities.
Joshua Okayo, who serves as the President of the Kenya School of Law Student Council, was abducted by unidentified individuals in a climate of escalating tension linked to protests against the finance bill.
According to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Amnesty International, at least 12 people have been abducted over the past week, including notable figures like Gabriel Oguda, a political analyst at the Office of the Minority Leader, Opiyo Wandayi.
The abductions that have occurred over the last five days, are a gross violation of human rights and amount to arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearance as prohibited under Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Enforced disappearance, as defined by Article 29 of the Constitution, involves the arrest, detention, or abduction of an individual by state agents or persons acting with state authorization, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the person’s fate or whereabouts.
The abductions come amid growing concerns, with President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently addressing the issue. Gachagua acknowledged the rise in abductions, specifically mentioning the kidnapping of Attorney General Justine Muturi’s son by National Intelligence Service (NIS) officers.
President Ruto has ordered the unconditional release of all abducted persons, with no charges to be filed against them.
This series of events has heightened tensions and fears across the country, with many questioning the government’s ability to protect its citizens, particularly those who dare to speak out against it.
Abducted Kenya School of Law Student Leader Joshua Okayo Found Tortured Near Maragua River