Former Chief Justice David Maraga has today condemned the widespread abductions of youths perceived to be government critics opposing President William Ruto’s administration, who have been disappearing at an alarming rate in the past few weeks, especially in Nairobi.
In a statement on X, Maraga, who served as the 14th Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, called for the release of all hostages, including one who was abducted just yesterday in Nairobi’s South B area, hours after the President had ordered a stop to the worrying trend.
“This year has not been easy for many families. The killing, maiming, and abduction of young Kenyans have put our institutions to a serious test. I condemn the killing, torture, and abductions and call for the immediate release of the youth still held unlawfully,” the ex-CJ wrote.
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He added: “Fidelity to the Constitution is fundamental. When Kenyans voted overwhelmingly for a new Constitution in August 2010, they laid down a new vision for transforming the country and nation, which was at the heart of the June-July Gen Z national protests.
“The outrage this year was sparked by the erosion of basic dignity. We must address the decline in vital sectors such as education and health, reset the economy to create decent jobs for our youth, and restructure our tax regime for fairness and sustainability of the tax burden.”
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR), 13 people have been abducted and disappeared mysteriously in the last three months, bringing the total number of cases since the Gen Z protests in June to 82. In December alone, six victims were abducted, adding to the 29 individuals still unaccounted for since June.
The six recently abducted include Steve Kavingo from Machakos, Billy Mwangi from Embu, Peter Muteti from Uthiru, Nairobi, and Bernard Kavuli from Ngong, Nairobi. Others are Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull, from Nairobi, and Rony Kiplang’at from Kiambu. Naomi, known online as @Jabertotoo, was reportedly abducted in Ruaraka, Nairobi, but was later found.
Most abductions have targeted social media users and are carried out by covert kidnappers employing untraceable methods such as wearing face masks as a disguise and driving unmarked cars.
Although the government has denied any involvement, Maraga is urging the ruling political leadership and all citizens to uphold constitutionalism, the rule of law, and justice.
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