Quest for justice for abductees must not be a political game

Senator Okiya Omtatah (centre) and other protestors during anti-abduction demonstrations at Aga Khan Walk,Nairobion December 30, 2024.[Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]

The grave matter of abductions is one that would swiftly be addressed were it not for the selfish and parochial politics being played around it. When Leader of Majority Kimani Ichung’wah stands in public and claims former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is behind the kidnappings, you cannot help but wonder. Gachagua is not above the law, and if at all there is any evidence to that effect, he should be behind bars. But we all know that is the most outrageous allegation that can come from any leader.

Is it possible that a civilian of whatever means would abduct young men in broad daylight, hide them for weeks and defeat all investigative agencies? It becomes even more appalling when the same clique of politicians crafts another narrative that the abductees are abducting themselves.

Do they also go ahead and commit suicide before checking their own bodies into mortuaries? How do you explain the body of missing activist Ibrahim Mwiti being found at Thika Level Five Mortuary? Someone must explain how 23-year-old Denzel Onyango’s body was found in a quarry after disappearing for days. The pain being faced by parents doesn’t seem to move anyone.

That shows how vicious, cruel and cold-hearted politicians can be when their own interests are at stake. Had he not been co-opted into the broad-based government, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi would be breathing fire in Parliament as Ichung’wah answers back in equal measure. Today, they are breathing fire and brimstone on young Kenyans. They forget that can change again. Just before the 2022 General Election, some of the leaders who do not seem to get moved today lived like fugitives then. When they got a chance, they vehemently condemned the government for going against the rule of law. 

Short-term political gains must not blind leaders from the long-term benefits of honouring the law. The Constitution must never be a tool for convenience because when the State ignores its own laws, the people can also decide not to be bound by it. 

We are appealing to all leaders to reassess their conscience and moral compass and stand for what is right even though that threatens their political standing. The young men and women being targeted are the age of most of the leaders’ children. There is a good reason why we have a judicial system, and if anything, they should be arrested and presented before a court of law. 

The president must thus make good his promise to stop the abductions and extrajudicial means of addressing matters that irk politicians. The claims that there exists a quasi-police force must be quickly addressed.

We must not have any other entity taking on the responsibility of the police service because the National Police Service is the only institution mandated by the constitution for the enforcement of law and order. Any other way is breeding anarchy, and we know that will not end well for Kenya.

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