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Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has reported that the National Police Service (NPS) has handled 57 abduction cases since the youth-led protests began on June 18, 2024. Speaking before the Committee on Administration and Internal Security, Kanja denied claims that police officers were abducting and killing Kenyans associated with the protests, emphasizing that officers only engage in lawful arrests.
Kanja addressed the cases of public figures such as activist Morara Kebaso, journalist Macharia Gaitho, and politician Jimi Wanjigi, whose arrests were sensationalized. He assured the committee that police actions followed legal procedures. Of the 57 cases reported, 22 individuals have been found alive, 29 are still missing, and six have been confirmed dead.
“I’ve made it clear that police do not abduct or kidnap. We detain individuals and conduct investigations. Those who meet the legal criteria are charged in court, and those who do not are released,” Kanja said.
While acknowledging that the anti-Finance Bill protests were meant to be peaceful, Kanja highlighted that some protesters took advantage of the situation to cause violence and damage property. He confirmed that 1,552 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, many of them identified through CCTV footage.
The IG dismissed social media reports of police abductions as “propaganda,” insisting that the police were diligently performing their duties. “Some suspects captured on CCTV were not immediately arrested as we gathered additional evidence. However, once the information was complete, they were arrested and presented in court,” Kanja added.
Regarding the missing persons, the IG noted that the investigations are still ongoing. He specifically mentioned the case of Wajir MCA Yussuf Hussein, who has been missing since September 13, 2024. “We have conducted investigations following the report, but we have yet to receive any new information about his whereabouts. We continue to appeal to the public for any information that could assist us,” Kanja said.
Kanja’s comments come amidst growing concerns over police brutality related to the protests. Videos circulating online show individuals being forcibly taken by police officers to unknown locations, with some later appearing at police stations while others remain unaccounted for.
The international community has also expressed concern over the reported abductions, urging Kenyan police to adhere to the law when making arrests.
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