Politicians and experts have differed on the necessity for a commission of inquiry on alleged abductions, with some saying such a bid will flop without political goodwill.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies have opened backed calls for a public inquiry into the alleged disappearance of youths.
Gachagua had on Tuesday stated that a public inquiry would be the best approach to unravel the mystery behind the alleged abductions.
On Wednesday, political analyst Alexander Nyamboga said such a commission can only make meaning if there is political goodwill.
"Unless there is goodwill, even if such a commission were to be formed, its findings and recommendations would be meaningless,'' Nyamboga said.
But researcher and university lecturer Omondi Onyango said it would be critical for such a body to be set up to clear any doubts about the abductions.
Ongando reckoned that while past commissions of inquiry wasted away public funds with their reports gathering dust, at least Kenyans got to know the truth.
"Only implementation of such reports has failed but during the open inquiries, Kenyans got to understand the findings of the commissions,'' he said.
The government has come under pressure over the recent wave of abductions but senior officials have denied involvement of the state.
There have been claims from some politicians that the abductions have been staged for political reasons.
This claim has been denied by politicians allied to Gachagua who have insisted on an open inquiry.
University of Nairobi lecturer Samwel Siringi said accountability will only materialise if there is goodwill from the political leadership.
"Experience has taught us better lessons and when you look at past commissions of inquiry, you would realise that not much became of them with most of them yet to be implemented,'' Siringi said.
Former top Jubilee honcho Albert Nyaundi said the push for accountability can only happen if politicians, especially those in leadership, commit to justice.
According to Nyaundi, forming an inquiry may be seen as playing to the gallery, "the move requires absolute fidelity and commitment."
"It may be the best way to go, but is it realistic given the political antagonism on the national stage? It would require a lot of introspection,'' Nyaundi said.
Gachagua had on Tuesday supported the call for an independent Commission of Inquiry into matters of abductions in the country.
Through a statement, he called on Kenyans of goodwill to support families of the victims of abductions and killings to undergo the necessary counselling.
“The abductions and extra-judicial killings that have been happening are clearly state-sanctioned. This call for an open process to investigate them will provide an open and transparent forum for the whole world to see the extent to which this regime is willing to go, to stifle independent voices that are brave enough to correct or criticise them, which is part and parcel of how a democracy works,'' Gachagua said.
On Monday, at least five youths allegedly abducted were released in various parts of the country after weeks of public uproar.
