Security Committee Engages Stakeholders on Kidnappings and Abductions in the County
A recent report from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has raised serious concerns about the rising number of abductions and kidnappings in the country. According to IPOA, six victims remain unaccounted for, two individuals have been found dead, and 20 others have been safely located.
During a session with the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, IPOA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Elema Halake, stated that the Authority is investigating two fatal cases and four incidents involving injuries linked to suspected National Police Service (NPS) officers. Mr. Halake revealed disturbing trends of NPS officers hiding their identities during operations, using unmarked vehicles, and tampering with vehicle registration plates.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also shared troubling findings, reporting a total of 60 fatalities since the youth-led protests erupted on June 18, 2024. Among the dead, 59 were male, one was female, and three were minors. Prof. Marion Mutugi, who presented the KNCHR findings, confirmed that the majority of the victims had been shot with live ammunition, while others died from blunt force trauma during the protests.
The Commission documented over 1,376 arrests nationwide, with many protestors—including children—arrested arbitrarily. According to Prof. Mutugi, those detained were charged with various offenses and even incarcerated in violation of the Children’s Act, which protects minors from such treatment.
In response to these developments, the Departmental Committee, chaired by Hon. Dido Rasso (Saku), called for a more in-depth investigation into the cases of abductions and encouraged stakeholders to bring forward any unresolved issues to Parliament.
The session, which aimed to address the growing security concerns, underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability within the National Police Service, as well as a more comprehensive approach to investigating human rights abuses during ongoing demonstrations.
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