Nowhere to hide for IG Kanja over outrage caused by kidnappings

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is in a spot over rising abductions. [File, Standard]

The resurfacing of five abductees whose mysterious disappearances gripped the nation since the festive season began has cast a long shadow over Kenya’s embattled security apparatus.

Their release, coinciding with a critical moment for Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who is under a court order to explain whereabouts of another missing person, has raised fresh questions on the integrity of law enforcement.

The timing, eerily similar to the “Kitengela Three” case weeks ago, has fueled speculation about police involvement in the dark plots. Are top security chiefs shielding the police’s reputation only when confronted with public and legal scrutiny?

President William Ruto has publicly distanced himself from the unfolding scandal, placing the responsibility squarely on shoulders of the National Police Service.

Speaking during the burial of Ann Nanyama, mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Ruto remarked, “The police service, being an independent institution, can make independent decisions on investigations, prosecutions and maintain the rule of law.”

This has been interpreted by many as a tacit admission of systemic failures. “The situation only strengthens the widespread belief that elements within the police are complicit,” said Hussein Khalid, a human rights advocate with Vocal Africa.

The release of Bob Njagi and brothers Aslam and Jamil Longton, after 32 days in captivity, occurred on the same day then-acting IG Gilbert Masengeli was to face imprisonment for contempt of court. The timing has left observers wondering if these events are mere coincidence or calculated maneuvers within the security system.

While human rights defenders point fingers at the police, some security analysts urge caution, suggesting alternative theories.

“We should consider the possibility of a clandestine unit operating outside the police, using diversion tactics to misdirect public outrage,” says George Musamali, a security analyst. “It could all be part of a psychological game, which is why Kenyans must approach this matter with an open mind.”

All eyes are however, on IG Kanja, who is expected to appear in court today, as directed by Justice Bahati Mwamuye. Mr Kanja is tasked with providing answers about the fate of Steve Kavingo, who was abducted from his Kathangaita home in Machakos County on December 17, 2024.

Kavingo was among six men abducted in December by unknown people; five of them were freed on Monday, January 6.

Kanja will rely on the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, to help him with information to answer some of the questions.

In last week’s court summons, Kanja sent lawyers led by Paul Nyamodi and Steve Ogolla to represent him; he also sent Nairobi Regional County Investigations Officer Benson Kasyoki to answer some of the questions posed.
Also expected in court is Director General of the National Safety and Transport Authority (NTSA)George Njao.

He is expected to shed light on the issue of number plates captured on some vehicles used in abductions.

In most cases, the number plates are registered to other vehicles, rendering any information on them useless in pursuing the missing person.

The explanation by Mr Njao will inform Kenyans whether the plates are original and how the abductors access them, given that NTSA is the only institution mandated to issue number plates.

Curiously, the abductees have criticised President Ruto and his leadership style online, as well as citing failures of his Kenya Kwanza administration.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which filed the petition on behalf of the six men’s families, will also seek to amend their petition since they have been found and add the name of Kelvin Muthoni, who is also missing.

The IG is expected to present Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplang’at, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli and Billy Mwangi in court.

Kanja will be required to shed light on circumstances surrounding their abduction and freedom, given that they recorded statements with the police after being released.

Bob Njagi says the police are complicit in recent abductions, questioning why they were freed on the day Masengeli was to be sent to prison.

“That speaks volumes to there being a conspiracy; if the state did not abduct me, why haven’t they asked me to record a statement,” said Njagi.

He said failure to act by the police points in the direction that the state knows who abducted them or was behind the abduction.

LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata said the case against Kanja will provide a policy on what should happen after a report of an abduction has been made with the police.
He said their case seeks to have the court explain the roles of the National Crime Research Centre, the police, NTSA and telco companies.

“What is the role of the NTSA? What role do Safaricom and Airtel play if one has been abducted with their phones?” he asked.

The five men were freed at different places, with Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull telling his followers on X that his abductors dropped him at around 3am in Luanda, Vihiga County.
Unsure of what to do next, he went to a disco in the area until morning, when he booked a bus ticket home.

His elder brother Ronny Kiplang’at, who was abducted from the Kikuyu SDA Church, was found in Machakos County.

He did not speak to the media after his release, with the Church’s Pastor Kiogora Rutere saying that Kiplang’at was unable to talk about his 10-day ordeal in the hands of his abductors.

Another man, Bernard Kavuli, who was abducted from a Rubis Petrol Station in Ngong town, was allegedly dumped in Kitale, according to his lawyer Shadrack Wambui.

Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango said Kavuli presented himself at Moi’s Bridge police station, where he recorded a statement.

Billy Mwangi, who hooded men abducted from a barber shop in Embu town, was dropped at their gate, according to his family.

His mother said that she heard someone calling out her name at around 8am, and when she went, she found that it was him, and they took him for a medical check-up.

Area MP Gitonga Mukunji told the media that Mwangi had been assaulted by his abductors, and he appeared traumatized.

Peter Muteti, who was abducted from a shop in Uthiru, was found in Nairobi CBD.

While confirming his release, his family reported that they found him disoriented and that he was recovering from home.