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| Human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich |
Human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has issued a strong call to President William Ruto and the Kenyan government, urging them to take immediate and decisive action in response to a series of alleged abductions and a growing wave of social media incitement that appears to be politically motivated. Ngetich’s statement, which was shared today, highlights the urgent need for transparency and thorough investigations to address what he views as a coordinated campaign aimed at destabilizing the country’s peace and security.
Ngetich pointed to a pattern of abduction claims, followed by the sudden and unexplained release of the supposed victims. In many of these cases, the individuals who were allegedly abducted have appeared in public in good health, both mentally and physically. The activist raised critical questions about the authenticity of these incidents, citing inconsistencies in testimonies, where some victims have claimed to have been abducted but reported no physical harm, sexual assault, or even any form of mistreatment during their time in captivity.
"We cannot simply ignore the growing number of cases that seem too coordinated to be dismissed as isolated events. The public needs assurance that these abductions are not being staged for political purposes. The government must take these matters seriously and launch thorough investigations to determine whether these incidents are part of a larger agenda," Ngetich said in his statement.
The human rights activist noted that while abductions are undoubtedly criminal and unacceptable, the manner in which they are unfolding in a sequence, along with the swift and widespread social media outcry, should raise red flags. Ngetich cautioned that the government must be cautious about falling prey to alarmist rhetoric without taking a deeper, investigative approach. The continuous barrage of accusations against the government, security agencies, and the president himself, he warned, risks fueling public hysteria and eroding trust in law enforcement institutions.
"How can we explain a situation where people who claim to have been abducted emerge unharmed, healthy, and in good spirits? It raises serious questions about the integrity of these abduction claims," Ngetich continued. "The public needs to understand whether there is any truth to these stories or if they are part of a calculated scheme to create chaos."
Ngetich also expressed deep concern about the role of social media in amplifying these incidents. He pointed to the increasing frequency of alarmist messages and inflammatory content circulating online, some of which appear to directly target President Ruto and security agencies. The activist believes that these coordinated campaigns may be part of a broader effort to destabilize the government and create division within Kenyan society.
"The way this narrative is being pushed on social media is not something we should take lightly. It appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine public confidence in the government, security forces, and the president. This kind of online instigation, if left unchecked, could escalate into widespread unrest," he warned. Ngetich emphasized that social media platforms must not be allowed to become tools for spreading false information and sowing discord among the population.
He also questioned whether these abduction stories and subsequent social media campaigns were being orchestrated by individuals or groups with a hidden agenda to weaken Kenya's sovereignty. He mentioned that some foreign interests may be funding individuals and groups both inside and outside Kenya, with the aim of destabilizing the country’s political landscape.
"There are foreign actors who have a vested interest in destabilizing Kenya for political reasons. Some individuals, both inside and outside the country, are being funded to carry out these destabilizing activities. They want to create a sense of insecurity and fear, and that should concern us all. We must ensure that these forces are not allowed to carry out their plan to destabilize our peace and sovereignty," he said.
Ngetich further warned that these actions could be part of a broader political assault against President Ruto, as he pushes for reforms and a new direction for Kenya. The activist pointed out that any efforts to destabilize the government would only harm the Kenyan people, especially the youth, who could be manipulated into participating in violent actions under false pretenses. He called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these abductions and social media campaigns, urging the authorities to bring any wrongdoers to justice.
"There is an organized political assault against the president, and our youth are being prepared to rise against the government and security forces. This is not something that we can simply ignore. The safety of the country and the well-being of our citizens are at stake. It is crucial that the government take immediate and decisive action before things spiral out of control," Ngetich warned.
The activist also highlighted the danger of the current rhetoric being pushed by some factions on social media, where abuses, insults, and incitement to violence are being portrayed as acceptable forms of exercising freedom of expression. Ngetich lamented the lack of condemnation from prominent human rights organizations regarding the growing culture of immorality, hate speech, and violence among some segments of the Kenyan youth.
"Our young people are being misled into thinking that these immoral behaviors, insults, and abuses are part of their human rights. This is a dangerous narrative that must be addressed. We are not seeing enough condemnation from human rights bodies about this conduct, and that must change. Human rights should not be used as a cover for incitement and violence," he added.
In light of the escalating situation, Ngetich called for urgent meetings of both the Cabinet and the National Security Council to address the situation comprehensively. He also urged East African Community (EAC) leaders to hold similar meetings and address the growing influence of social media in inciting unrest across the region.
"The instability caused by online campaigns and misinformation is a regional issue. EAC leaders must come together to discuss this matter and prevent it from spreading further. This is not just about Kenya; it is about the stability of the entire region," Ngetich said.
The activist concluded his statement by emphasizing that the Kenyan government must act quickly to restore order and confidence in the nation’s security forces. He called for swift investigations into the alleged abductions and any suspected staged incidents, with legal action to be taken against those found responsible for orchestrating such acts. Ngetich also reiterated the importance of safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s security apparatus, stressing that they must not be undermined by political campaigns or social media-driven hate.
"Security forces in Kenya, like in any other country, operate under the principle of ensuring public safety and fighting crime. However, when they are constantly targeted by coordinated media campaigns and public incitement, it jeopardizes their ability to perform their duties effectively. This must stop, and those behind these dangerous campaigns must be held accountable," he concluded.
As tensions rise, Ngetich’s call for urgent action comes at a time of heightened political activity and public scrutiny of government policies, with many questioning the role of social media in shaping public opinion and fueling unrest. The situation remains fluid, and the government’s response to these issues could have far-reaching consequences for Kenya's political and social stability in the coming months.