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Tag: Extrajudicial killings

  • Families of disappeared Kenyans seek justice as they appeal to ICC

    Families of disappeared Kenyans seek justice as they appeal to ICC

    Victims and survivors of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are urgently calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene and address the growing issue, citing the failure of Kenya’s justice system to bring justice or accountability.

    The victims expressed frustration over what they describe as a pattern of impunity surrounding these crimes, with numerous individuals vanishing without a trace or being killed by state agents.

    Bob Njagi, an activist and leader of the Free Kenya Movement, recounted his chilling experience of abduction and torture, alleging that the State is targeting him to silence the truth about the horrors he endured.

    Speaking to the media in Nairobi on Sunday, Njagi revealed that he was subjected to brutal treatment by his abductors and now, he fears for his life as he attempts to expose what happened to him.

    In addition to Njagi’s case, relatives of Steve Mbisi and Kalani Mwema, two men who allegedly disappeared from Mlolongo, have come forward with their own stories.

    They claim that police have threatened them, warning them against seeking answers regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones.

    The families, distressed by the silence surrounding the disappearances, have expressed growing concerns that their pursuit of justice is being actively obstructed.

    The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has added its voice to the outcry, calling for immediate, independent, and transparent investigations into several high-profile cases of enforced disappearance, including those of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, Aslam Longton, Justus Mutumwa, Martin Mwau, Steve Mbisi and Kalani Mwema.

    The Commission is demanding that the State be held accountable for these cases, urging the government to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the abductions and killings.

    Furthermore, the KHRC has called for Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin to be held personally accountable for the alleged crimes committed under their leadership.

    The Commission insists that the authorities must provide answers about the thousands of Kenyans whose whereabouts remain unknown, and the State must be forced to take responsibility for these heinous acts.

    As the calls for justice grow louder, victims and their families are left grappling with the harsh reality that Kenya’s justice system, they believe, has failed them, leaving them with no other recourse but to turn to international bodies like the ICC for intervention.

  • CS Muturi, Wetang’ula demand probe into abductions and extrajudicial killings

    CS Muturi, Wetang’ula demand probe into abductions and extrajudicial killings

    Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for an immediate end to the rising cases of abductions and extrajudicial killings in the country.

    Speaking at City Mortuary on Friday afternoon, the CS said that it was time for the nation to pause other matters and urgently address the recent abductions and subsequent deaths of young people.

    Muturi urged relevant government agencies to take responsibility and ensure accountability for the incidents. He reiterated that there is no government policy that supports abductions and called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold those responsible accountable.

    “….This matter must be discussed. Everybody who is involved must come out. government exists to among other things to protect the lives and property of its citizens…the issue of resignation is a side issue…..why are we allowing young boys and girls to be kidnapped and later found killed? What country are we?” he posed.

    “… As a government official, I am not aware of any policy that supports abductions and extrajudicial killings. It is unacceptable that families can go for 40 days without knowing the whereabouts of their loved ones. This is a serious matter that should take the anger of this country, the number of those who have died should prick the conscience of any leader… The buck must stop somewhere……… it is not normal we must address this matter with finality” he said.

    Muturi made the remarks following the discovery of the bodies of Justus Mutumwa and Martin Mwau who were among the four men who went missing in Mlolongo in December 2024.

    He wondered why the police would claim that they did not know who was behind the abductions.

    “We cannot be told the police do not know. They are the most efficient in this region and if they wanted they would crack this matter and bring culprits to book within a matter of days or hours. The buck must stop somewhere……… it is not normal we must address this matter with finality “ he reacted.

    The CS, who has been outspoken on the matter, also called for a public inquiry into the abductions and killings.

    “The President must order an end to these abductions, extra-judicial killings and even an open enquiry or commission of inquiry that must involve all sectors….to look into what has been happening. We cannot make it normal these are very young lives that have been taken away, parents and relatives have been agonising for 40 days” he said.

    Widespread uproar

    At the same time, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula added his voice to the issue that has sparked widespread uproar.

    He is now calling on investigative agencies to uncover the root cause and bring those responsible for the wave of abductions and killings, which is tarnishing the government’s image, to justice.

    “ I want to take this opportunity to urge the agencies of administration of justice, the office of the IG, the Office of DCI, the office of DPP and the internal security organs to investigate thoroughly and come to the root cause of who is kidnapping people and later they are found dead,” he said.

    He continued “ The police say they are not the ones doing it we want them to investigate and tell Kenyans who are these criminal elements in our midst who are unlawfully arresting people causing their disappearance and eventually they are found dead”.

    Wetang’ula assured that the Kenya Kwanza government remains committed to protecting human rights and ending extrajudicial killings.

    He warned that Kenya must not return to the dark days when bodies were being pulled from River Yala and called on the IG, DCI, and DPP to expedite their investigations.

    “ We shudder to get back to any situation yenye tulikuwa tunapata miili river yala na sehemu zingine, serikali ya kenya kwanza iliahidi na inazingatia respect for human rights. IG, DCI, DPP lazima mfanye uchunguzi wa kina na kwa haraka iwezekanayo ili tukomeshe hii mambo inaleta jina mbaya kwa nchi yetu” he said.

  • Media recognized for their role in championing human rights

    Media recognized for their role in championing human rights

    The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) together with human rights defenders have expressed appreciation to the media in Kenya for the continued coverage of the agitation for justice for victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

    Speaking in Mombasa Human Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vocal Africa Hussein Khalid offered their gratitude to the media personnel for covering the youth protests in a neutral way that ensured democracy is upheld in the country.

    Khalid said there is no human rights without the media since press freedom was enshrined in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution making the country one of the most progressive in the region in terms of laws regulating journalism.

    He noted that the media should be praised for objectively covering the protests in the country adding that as human rights advocates, they will ensure that media freedom is guaranteed.

    “There is a reason the media is called the fourth estate, it is a good component that serves as a watchdog for the people to enjoy democracy,” he said.

    He asked media owners to fairly remunerate journalists who work for them and provide a safe working environment.

    He further asked the government to open resource channels for the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) to operate at maximum capacity in delivering its mandate that is to regulate the press.

    MCK Coast Regional coordinator Maureen Mudi said that MCK, an independent national institution has documented several incidents against journalists including abductions, beating and online harassment.

    Mudi said in Mombasa there were journalists that were injured after being hit with tear gas canisters during demonstrations in the country to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.

    She however called upon the media to exercise discretion when covering conflicts noting that no story is worth dying for.

    “As you exercise your mandate, consider your safety which is more important,” she said.

    Mombasa Press Club Chairperson Omar Shungu said that reporters have found doing their jobs increasingly dangerous to document and relay to Kenyans the important moments in the country’s history despite the grave dangers they are exposing themselves into.

    He noted that journalists often pay a heavy price, yet their main role is to relay information to the public as they protect the rights to accurate information for every Kenyan.

    “Mombasa Press club remains steadfast in championing media freedom as we strive to push for member’s welfare,” he said.