Police deny responsibility for abductions, promise continued investigations

Inspector General of Police Doughlas Kanja. [Standard, File]

The National Police Service has denied any responsibility for the recent abduction of four Kenyans last month.

Spokesperson Resila Onyango, in a statement on Monday, January 6, noted that the service remains committed to thoroughly investigating these cases to their conclusion.

"We remain committed to ensuring these cases are thoroughly investigated, and anyone found responsible will be held accountable," she said.

In December 2024, several cases of abductions were reported across the country. Four youths, alleged to have been abducted, were released on Monday morning, just hours before planned protests against forced disappearances.

Onyango said Bernard Kavuli Musyimi, who went missing from Ngong' Police Station, returned to Moi's Bridge Police Station and is assisting investigators.

At the same time, Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti were reunited with their families in Embu and Nairobi, respectively, after being held captive for over two weeks.

Billy’s family reported that he was abandoned in Nyeri before making his way back home to Majengo in Embu, after 15 days in captivity.

The family said he appeared frail and was taken to the hospital for a medical check-up.

Hooded men abducted the 24-year-old at a barbershop in Embu town, where his father, Gerald Karicha, said he had been under surveillance for days.

His family believes his abduction was linked to his criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Peter Muteti, abducted on December 21, 2024, outside an apartment in Nairobi, was found in the Nairobi Central Business District on Monday.

Rony Kiplangat, who was abducted from Thogoto Police Post, was found in Machakos County, while Bernard Kavuli, missing from Ngong' Police Station, was located in Kitale.

Meanwhile, at least six other individuals, including cartoonists Kibet Bull and Steve Mbisi, remain missing after similar abductions.

Onyango noted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is handling all abduction cases, with some still pending court proceedings while others remain under active investigation.

She urged the public to provide any information that may aid in tracing the whereabouts of those abducted.