Act on unresolved cases of alleged abductions- Lawyer urges State

A Nairobi lawyer Fadhil Abdi Bare has urged the government to make sure all the remaining alleged abductees are found safe and alive.

This is after four young Kenyans who had allegedly been abducted in December last year were reunited with their families on Monday, bringing relief to their loved ones. 

Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat had been missing for several weeks, but they were all located and returned home safely.

Abdi expressed a sigh of relief for their return saying the government should make sure the security and safety of Kenyans is maintained. 

“Kenya is currently experiencing a troubling increase in abductions, with individuals being taken for a range of motives, including criminal and political reasons,” he said.

“We are concerned about the significant gaps in our legal and security frameworks that allow these crimes to persist, despite clear provisions under the Penal Code.”

The advocate noted that the prosecution of abduction cases is often hindered by the involvement of organized crime, cross-border criminal networks, and insufficient resources within law enforcement. 

These challenges, he says contribute to a situation where many perpetrators remain unpunished, leaving victims and their families without justice.

Furthermore, the delays in investigations and the slow pace of the judicial process only amplify the trauma suffered by those affected.

Abdi added that abductions represent serious violations of human rights, with lasting physical and psychological consequences for victims.

 "We must address these issues by strengthening legal frameworks, improving the capacity of law enforcement, and ensuring a more efficient judicial process," he said.

"Ensuring the safety and dignity of all Kenyans must be a national priority. Closing the existing gaps in our legal and security systems is essential to preventing further abductions and delivering justice to those affected. Only through coordinated action across all sectors can we foster a safer and more secure environment for all," he added.

The return of the victims brings relief to Kenyans as they continue to call for the release of the rest.

Mwangi, who was taken from outside a barber shop in Embu on December 21, was found and reunited with his family in Majengo, Embu. 

Muteti, also allegedly abducted on December 21 from his apartment in Nairobi, was found disoriented and unable to speak about his ordeal. His family confirmed he is now recovering at home.

Kavuli and Kiplangat were reportedly dropped off in Nyeri, together with other alleged abductees, and received small amounts of money. Their families confirmed their safe return. 

 These young men, along with others such as Gideon Kibet, Steve Kivango, and Kelvin Muthoni, were reportedly abducted following social media posts criticizing senior government officials.

Their release comes as human rights activists planned a protest to condemn abduction and forced disappearance.

The protests were planned on Monday, January 6 in various places.

The organisers of the protests said the move to release Billy and Muteti was aimed at deflating the plans to hold the marches and urged for more pressure and people to come out to condemn the trend.

Over the past six months, cases of abductions and enforced disappearances have become common with some parents living in fear of their youth disappearing without a trace