US Embassy’s Message to Ruto’s Government Over Abductions
On Tuesday, December 31, the US Embassy in Kenya called for an end to the recent wave of abductions in the country.
In a statement, Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard emphasized the need for greater responsibility and respect for the rule of law. His comments echoed the calls from various international organizations, local human rights groups, political leaders, and citizens to stop the forced disappearances that have sparked public outrage.
The growing calls for action led to protests in Nairobi and other cities, with Kenyans demanding the immediate release of seven individuals who have reportedly been abducted since December 21.
Dillard, who assumed his role at the Embassy after Meg Whitman’s departure, urged the government to draw inspiration from the late US President Jimmy Carter, who was known for promoting human rights globally. “President Carter championed human rights worldwide. In the spirit of his legacy, we join the calls in Kenya for accountability and respect for the rule of law. Abductions must end,” Dillard said.
The protests in Nairobi on Monday, December 31, saw demonstrators carrying placards criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government. Police barricaded several key roads in the city and checked Public Service Vehicles for protestors. By midday, matatus were banned from entering the city center, and officers blocked Kenyatta Avenue to prevent public transport vehicles from accessing the area.
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This followed online calls by activists on Sunday, December 29, encouraging Kenyans to protest in a bid to press the government to release those who have gone missing this month. It is believed that more than five people, including Steve Mbisi (Machakos), Billy Mwangi (Embu), Peter Muteti (Nairobi), Bernard Kavuli (Nairobi), Gideon Kibet (Nairobi), and Rony Kiplang’at (Kiambu), have been abducted.
The protests in Nairobi led to the arrest of 23 individuals, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who was later charged with incitement to violence and disobedience. However, the High Court ruled against holding them in custody for 14 days and instead granted their release on a cash bail of Sh1,000 each or a bond of Sh50,000 with a surety.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 82 people have been abducted since the July-August protests, with 13 of these cases occurring in the past three months.
The Kenyan government has denied these allegations, stating that it does not engage in or support such actions.
US Embassy’s Message to Ruto’s Government Over Abductions
