CS Kindiki Addresses Abduction And Kidnappings During Protests
The government has pledged to take action against any security personnel involved in abductions and arbitrary arrests during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 and anti-government demonstrations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki reiterated in a statement on Tuesday that those found responsible for the alleged disappearances and other unlawful detentions would face the full force of the law.
Even though Kindiki did not specify any specific cases, he stated that the government was aware of certain claims and that investigative agencies had since launched an investigation into the matter.
GOVERNMENT STATEMENT ON CLAIMS OF ABDUCTIONS AND ENFORCED DISAPPERANCES IN KENYA. pic.twitter.com/dgiJL3b01H
— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) July 9, 2024
“The Government has noted with concern claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by security personnel,” said Kindiki.
“Independent Constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and prosecute any person or official who may be implicated with violating the Constitution by perpetrating confinement of any person outside the law.”
“All persons within the territory of Kenya are protected from unlawful or arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances or any other illegal method of confining suspected criminals for purposes of investigations for prosecution or for whatever purpose whatsoever,” he stated.
“The Government reiterates its duty to respect and ensure the protection of all constitutionally guaranteed rights and will not condone any violation whether perpetuated by security personnel or by public or private persons.”
According to Prof Kindiki, any security officer who violates the law will face appropriate consequences.
He also stated that an investigation was underway to apprehend all lawbreakers, particularly those who allegedly infiltrated the peaceful protests started by the Generation Zs to cause havoc and destroy property.
“As the conversation on taxation and other priority national issues commence, the process of accountability for serious crimes that resulted in loss of life, destruction of property and breach of the peace is simultaneously underway,” he said.
“To avoid repeat behaviour of impunity, the organisers, planners and financiers of the crimes that were committed against the people of Kenya in the pretext of peaceful demonstrations will be prosecuted once the ongoing investigations are completed.
“In the same vein, any infractions or excesses by law enforcement officers will be investigated and appropriate action taken on those found culpable.”
ANARCHY, VIOLENCE AND PLUNDER MUST CEASE AT WHATEVER COST. pic.twitter.com/zNQpBcJF4y
— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) July 2, 2024
During a recent interview with Citizen TV’s The Explainer Show on Thursday, Kindiki dismissed claims of abductions and defended some of the police officers’ attempts to dress as civilians.
Some of the officers had been linked to kidnappings and murders.
CS Kindiki Addresses Abduction And Kidnappings During Protests
