
A group of legislators is advocating for the establishment of an independent public commission of inquiry to investigate the widespread abduction of government critics.
This follows a series of abductions last month targeting youthful critics of President William Ruto’s administration, with five victims recently released.
Speaking to the press in Nairobi on Tuesday, six senators and 19 MPs expressed grave concerns over these incidents. They also highlighted issues such as the alleged politicisation of the police, the resurgence of criminal gangs, and what they termed the “troubling spectre of state capture.”
“These developments threaten the safety, dignity, and democratic rights of every Kenyan citizen,” said Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku Ole Kanar, addressing the media on behalf of the group.
The lawmakers, aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, called for the commission to investigate the abductions and examine claims of political interference within the police force and other independent institutions.
“This includes probing instances where security forces have been deployed for political purposes or to silence dissenting voices,” they stated.
The team also urged the National Assembly, the Senate, and county assemblies to hold special sessions during recess to address the abductions. They demanded a “thorough and transparent” investigation and accountability for all those involved.
“We voice this with hesitation, given the police’s denial of responsibility, their apparent lack of impartiality, and their continued subservience to the executive, despite being an independent institution under our Constitution,” the legislators said.
The group further pressed President Ruto to secure the immediate release of the remaining abductees.
Additionally, they called for the commission to investigate alleged organised attacks against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his supporters, including incidents at a November 28 funeral in Limuru, Kiambu County, and a December 28 tear-gas attack in Shamata, Nyandarua County.
The legislators also accused the government of enabling the resurgence of criminal gangs, such as Mungiki, to terrorise citizens and dissenters.
Moreover, they demanded an inquiry into allegations of state capture, including claims of government contracts awarded to affiliates, land grabbing, and misuse of public resources. “This includes the extensive land grabbing in Ngurunga Farm (Kiambu Constituency), Gikumari (Ruiru Constituency), Ndabibi (Naivasha Constituency), and Nakuru Memorial Hospital,” added Ole Kanar.
The team comprises Senators Seki Lenku Ole Kanar (Kajiado), Karungo wa Thang’wa (Kiambu), Joe Nyutu (Murang’a), John Methu (Nyandarua), James Murango (Kirinyaga), and John Kinyua (Laikipia).
The MPs include Onesmus Ngogoyo (Kajiado North), John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Edward Muriu (Gatanga), Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Jane Kihara (Naivasha), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga), and Samuel Gachobe (Subukia).
Others are George Koimburi (Juja), MejjaDonK Gathiru (Embakasi Central), Joseph Munyoro (Kigumo), Mary Wamaua (Maragua), Mwago Amos (Starehe), Gitonga Mukunji (Manyatta), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Samuel Parachina (Kajiado South), and nominated MP Teresia Wanjiru.
