Kenya Human rights Commission (KHRC) has sought for the resignation of several Kenyan leaders over alleged endorsement abductions in the country.
The leaders included Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
The abductions escalated in June 2024 when youth started protesting on Finance Bill 2024 that they didn’t want to be implemented due to high cost of living.
Photo: Courtesy
Recently, KNHCR reported that 82 youths had been abducted since June with 29 still missing.
On Monday 6th January 2024, five out of the six youths who were abducted in December were reportedly released.
Most of them had shared satirical images of President William Ruto or linked to those who issued the photos.
What they said that prompted resignation according to KHRC
Kimani Ichung’wah, the majority leader in the National Assembly supported false claims by Francis Atwoli that abductees were faking their abductions for financial gain.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said that government would resort to brutal tactics to firmly deal with youthful critics, blaming their behavior on ‘lack of parental guidance’.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen stated that no abductions and extra judicial killings were happening under Ruto’s watch. This he spoke in Bungoma on December 27th.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki justified the use of excessive force by police against unarmed protesters, leading to deaths and abductions. He made remarks during his appearance before the National Assembly’s security and administration committee.
KHRC claimed that those comments violated the constitution.
KHRC therefore stated that they call for an impartial and through investigation into their statements and potential involvement in the abductions and extra judicial killings of state critics. Those found culpable must face prosecution and be permanently barred from holding state or public office.
