IG Kanja must get to the bottom of increased killings

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja must urgently confront a disturbing wave of abductions, murders and enforced disappearances.

Over the last few months, there have been worrisome killings and kidnappings that suggest things are getting out of hand. The police have investigative and intelligence-gathering mechanisms to get to the bottom of these unfortunate incidences.

Since the Gen Z protests against the dropped Finance Bill 2024, which happened in June, many families have reported cases of their kin, mostly young men and women, having disappeared without a trace.

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Some people like the missing Wajir MCA, have been abducted in broad daylight, begging the question, who can execute such crimes? Indeed, the majority of Kenyans believe the police can solve such crimes quickly.

Last week, a manager with a security firm, went missing after attending a funeral in Siaya County. His vehicle was found two days later and his body floating in a river. Again, IG Kanja’s men and women can trace and arrest the culprits.

There is a CCTV camera clip of two men seen driving his vehicle and abandoning it in a bush. Using technology and intelligence gathering, the police must unearth the gruesome killing.

The IG must also assure Kenyans that the security agencies will not be used to settle political scores or harm peaceful dissenters.

Two weeks ago, activist Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton and Aslam Longton were lucky to be found alive after being held for 32 days. Who were their captors and what did they want? Has the rule of law ceased working such that there is no freedom for anyone who questions the government of the day?

IG Kanja must assure Kenyans of their freedom to assemble and associate without state intimidation. Long gone are the days when no one could question government policy.

Under the 2010 Constitution, Kenyans have the right to raise their voices on policies that conflict with their aspirations.

Equally disturbing is a wave of killings targeting young women. Many of the victims are lured into affairs with promises of big money, only to be killed in ghastly circumstances. Again, the intelligence department of the police can break these underworld gangs and bring the killers to book.

The IG can involve the highest office in the land, the Presidency, the Interior and National Coordination Ministry and all relevant stakeholders to address the latest wave of murders and abductions. This will assure Kenyans of their security and affirm that Kenya is governed by the rule of law.

When anarchy reigns, criminals get emboldened in their acts, leaving everyone else in danger of attacks. The IG and the police must uphold the law to ensure the sanctity of life for every Kenyan.