Murkomen to Kenyans: 'We're equipping police to locate whereabouts of abducted gov't critics'

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured the country that the government will provide all necessary support to police in locating young people who have been reported missing.

According to Mr Murkomen, the Kenya Kwanza government does not have a policy of enforced disappearance of critics.

"We don't condone abductions. Every act of criminality is addressed within the confines of the law," said Mr Murkomen.

He said President William Ruto's administration value constructive criticism, but stressed the need to safeguard against endangering the peace of the country and the rights of others through cybercrimes.

Mr Murkomen took issue with what has been doing rounds in social media depicting some senior government officials in bad light though animations and silhouettes.

The CS spoke when he condoled with the family of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi at their home in Mukhweya village, Kabuchai, Bungoma County, following the passing of their mother Mama Annah Nanyama Wetang'ula.

"May God continue to grant them comfort and peace in this time of grief," said Mr Murkomen.

There has been a public outcry amid heightening and alarming cases of abductions in the country even as the National Police Service (NPS) categorically state that it is not involved in the distressing incidents.

President Ruto has also broken his silence on the matter even as his administration continue to come under fire.

President Ruto who spoke at Raila Odinga stadium in Homa Bay County pledged that his administration will end the abductions to restore public trust in national security.

He however urged parents to lead from the front in mentoring and protecting their children to uphold peace in the nation.

"Let's all walk together. I want to urge all parents that our children are a blessing from God, and you should take care of them and the government will do our part," said President Ruto.

"Alot has been said about abduction matters. We will stop so that Kenyan youth can live in peace and have discipline so that we build Kenya together," added the head of state.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has also urged President Ruto to address the matter with immediate effect and bring to book all those behind the rising cases of abductions.

Early this week, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said a total of 82 persons have been abducted since June this year with 29 yet to be traced.

In the last three months, the commission said, there have been 13 reported cases with December alone accounting for seven.

One person has, however, been found out of the seven recorded this month, KNCHR said.

The list of the six(6) who are still missing are said to have been abducted between December 17 and 25.

They are Steve Mbisi from Machakos, Billy Mwangi (Embu), Peter Muteti ( Nairobi), Bernard Kavuli (Nairobi), Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull (Nairobi), and Rony Kiplang'at (Kiambu).

Commission's chair Roselyne Odede apportioned blame to the National Police Service saying they are responsible for ensuring the safety of all Kenyans.

"NPS  should be reminded of its role in securing Kenyans from such violent acts particularly noting that these abductions are happening in broad daylight, with some of them being captured on CCTV but still no arrests are taking place," she said.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja has since refuted any allegations of police involvement in the mysterious abductions.

In a statement, Kanja said that there was no police station in the country that was holding any of the persons reported to have been abducted.

“The National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the Country that is holding the reported abductees,” said the police boss.

According to Mr Kanja, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was investigating alleged police involvement.