Of broken promises: Ruto faces criticism over abductions, extra-judicial killings

Anti-riot police arrest an activist along Kimathi Street in Nairobi, during the  marking of Saba Saba Day in Nairobi. [Standard, File]

The disappearance of activists Jamil Longton Hashim, his brother Aslam Longton, and Bob Michemi Njagi has raised fresh concerns about President William Ruto’s commitment to upholding human rights.

The three were reportedly abducted by individuals believed to be police officers on August 19 in Kitengela, Kajiado County.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of the government, with critics questioning its handling of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests.

The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) expressed alarm, saying the practices have continued despite previous promises of reform.

 At the same time, the group called on President Ruto to fulfil his constitutional duty and protect citizens from such violations.

“We urge President Ruto to keep his word and address enforced disappearances, abductions and arbitrary arrests,” said PRWG-K.

The group also called on Acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli to investigate the abductions and reveal the perpetrators.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has also weighed in, accusing Ruto of dishonesty.

 On August 30, the commission released a statement disputing the president’s claim that he was unaware of any Kenyan abducted during recent anti-government protests.

The KHRC published names of individuals reported missing or killed during the protests, insisting Ruto should be held accountable for these cases.

During a town hall in Kisumu on August 29, Ruto said he had not received any reports of Kenyans being kidnapped during the protests.

He urged families of those missing to provide names, adding, “If there is a family whose child or relative went to a demonstration and never returned, I want to know the names because I will take firm and decisive action. As of now, I don’t have a single name of someone who has been abducted or disappeared.”

Despite the president’s assurances two year’s into his administration, concerns remain.

On August 17, Khelef Khalifa, a board member of Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI), was arrested for insisting that police follow a court order banning masked officers during routine duties.

PRWG-K reminded the government that Article 49 of the Constitution guarantees the rights of arrested persons, including legal representation and clear information about their arrest, making such arrests unlawful.

The incidents follow similar cases, including the disappearance of four men in April 2021—Elijah Obuong, Benjamin Amache Imbai, Brian Oduor, and Jack Ochieng—who went missing in Kitengela.

 Their case remains unresolved, with police investigations ongoing.

Human rights organisations have condemned the administration for failing to resolve these cases, saying enforced disappearances are becoming a worrying trend.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also taken legal action over the missing activists, calling for accountability.

Meanwhile, acting Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has faced severe criticism.

On August 29, Justice Lawrence Mugambi convicted Masengeli of contempt of court for repeatedly ignoring orders related to the abductions.  On Friday, September 13, Masengeli was sentenced to six months in prison for contempt.

But, Justice Mugambi ruled that the sentence could be waived if Masengeli presents himself before court.

As the developments unfold, they have drawn attention to the broader human rights record of President Ruto’s administration.

Critics argue that the government has failed to address these concerns decisively, raising doubts on its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.