Kenya’s Rising Abductions Fuel Fears of a Return to Authoritarianism

More than 80 critics of the Kenyan government have reportedly gone missing in recent months, leading to public outcry and fears of a return to past abuses. The judiciary is pressing security officials for accountability. Several individuals who were previously abducted have shared traumatic experiences, raising concerns over the state’s involvement in these disappearances.

The recent abductions of over 80 critics of the Kenyan government have spurred significant public outrage, reminiscent of the country’s oppressive past. A judge has expressed intentions to imprison key security officials if they repeatedly fail to attend hearings concerning these disappearances.

These cases have emerged in the context of protests against tax increases that began in June. Of the missing individuals, at least 24 remain unaccounted for. While the government and police deny any wrongdoing, widespread apprehension exists among citizens fearing a return to state-sponsored abduction practices.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Criminal Investigations Director Mohamed Amin are under court orders to explain the disappearance of seven social media influencers. Although five were returned early in January, their lawyer’s request for more time suggests inadequate accountability. One such case involves 24-year-old Billy Mwangi, who was taken by armed men, causing distress to his family upon hearing the news.

Billy’s father described the severe trauma his son experienced upon his return. Despite reuniting with family, Billy, an outspoken critic of the government, remains largely silent about his ordeal, as do others who have been released, possibly due to fear of reprisals.

Brothers Jamil and Aslam Longton, after enduring over a month of captivity, also recounted their harrowing experiences. They were abducted due to Aslam’s activism against tax hikes, and grown fearful of further repercussions for speaking out. Their story reflects a broader narrative of unlawful detentions veiled as arrests by the state.

Government representatives dismiss allegations of state involvement, with spokesperson Isaac Mwaura asserting that not all organized crime is state-sponsored. Investigations into high-profile abductions, including cases involving government officials, are ongoing but offer little reassurance to families of the missing.

Public awareness and the growth of social media have changed the dynamics surrounding dissent in Kenya, allowing voices to be heard unlike during the oppressive eras of past leadership. Nonetheless, despite pledges from President William Ruto to curb such actions, the fears of a return to darker times linger.

For families grappling with the loss of loved ones, the pain remains acute, as illustrated by Stacey Mutua’s heartbreaking plea for her brother, Steve Mbisi, still missing since December. Advocacy continues, seeking justice and accountability for those affected by these troubling incidents.

In Kenya, a troubling trend of abductions and enforced disappearances is causing alarm and echoes historical abuses. Recent protests against government tax policies have led to the disappearance of numerous activists and critics, reviving public fears reminiscent of the authoritarian practices during previous regimes, particularly under former President Daniel arap Moi. Civil society organizations are increasingly vocal in their demands for accountability regarding human rights violations.

The series of abductions in Kenya highlights a distressing resurgence of state-sponsored intimidation tactics against dissenters. Despite promises for accountability from government leaders, public confidence remains low. As families continue to suffer from the loss of their loved ones, there is a call for international attention and intervention to uphold human rights and protect those advocating for change in Kenya.

Original Source: www.bbc.com