By David Mburu & Sarah Nyakio
In the stillness of the night, when the bustle of day ebbs into the calm of the dark, families in Kenya now face a new terror as several individuals, some from their homes. What’s more alarming is the justification of these acts as lawful detentions, despite the victims being found far from their homes, a gross misuse of power that echoes through the empty promises of the Kenya Kwanza government.
The Kenya Kwanza coalition, in its manifesto, committed to ending police abuse, particularly against urban youth, by enhancing oversight through the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). They also pledged to create an ombudsman to monitor human rights violations and to put an end to all forms of extra-judicial executions by security services. Yet, the recent events paint a stark contrast to these lofty promises, revealing a government in stark dissonance with its own commitments.
The individuals targeted in these abductions initially were primarily vocal critics of the Finance Bill 2024, using their platforms to challenge and debate the potential repercussions of such legislation. The targeting of these influencers suggests a disturbing trend towards silencing dissent through fear and coercion, leveraging the state’s machinery against its citizens—a tactic painfully reminiscent of darker times.
Under both Kenyan and international law, every individual is entitled to the fundamental rights of due process and fair treatment under the law. The arbitrary nature of these abductions, the lack of formal charges or legal procedures, and the subsequent discovery of these individuals in locations far from their homes, all constitute a blatant violation of these rights. The actions undertaken under the guise of ‘arrests’ undermine not only the rule of law but also the very principles of democracy and human rights that Kenya professes to uphold.
The need for judicial intervention cannot be overstated. A comprehensive and independent investigation into these abductions must be initiated, not only to bring justice to those wrongfully detained but also to hold accountable those who misuse their power. This case is not merely about the enforcement of a financial statute; it is a litmus test for Kenya’s democracy and its adherence to the rule of law.
The events also make it more imperative for all stakeholders, including civil society, international human rights bodies, and the citizens of Kenya, to demand accountability and safeguard the freedoms that form the bedrock of any democratic society. The silence and inaction will only embolden further violations.
The Kenya Kwanza government must revisit its commitments and the spirit of its manifesto. It is time for the government to align its actions with its promises, and in doing so, restore faith in its governance. The eyes of the world are watching, and history will remember the choices made at this critical juncture. Let us not allow fear to silence the voices of truth and justice in Kenya. The path to reform and righteousness is fraught with challenges, but it is a journey that must begin with integrity and accountability, now more than ever.
