Nairobi: Kenyan President William Ruto has promised to address abductions, a significant shift from previously labeling them “fake news.”
For months, Ruto and officials denied abductions, demanding proof from families and alleging fabricated reports targeting the government.
At least 82 government critics reportedly disappeared after protests against a controversial finance bill, though some resurfaced.
Ruto, speaking Saturday, did not admit government involvement but urged youth to display discipline for Kenya’s growth.
Disappearances Include Artists and Activists
Among those missing are activists and creators, including one who shared AI-generated offensive images of Ruto in a casket.
A state human rights agency says 29 individuals remain unaccounted for, including six who disappeared shortly before Christmas.
Allegations Against Security Forces
Human rights groups allege intelligence agencies used phone signals to track and abduct protest organizers and government critics.
Bob Njagi, a prominent activist, claims he was abducted and tortured in detention by masked men believed to be officers.
Survivors Demand Accountability
Njagi, a Free Kenya Movement leader, detailed mistreatment, solitary confinement, and interrogation by men questioning funding sources.
Njagi’s story echoes fears for others like cartoonist Gideon Kibet, still missing after disappearing on Christmas Eve.
Kibet’s brother Ronny also vanished days earlier, fueling concerns the government used him to lure Kibet to Nairobi.