Ruto faces growing pressure over government failure to account on abductions

President Ruto is under increasing scrutiny as human rights organizations, legal experts, and affected families demand accountability for the abductions and killings of GenZ.
Despite his administration’s denial of involvement, the mounting evidence and public outcry suggest a deepening crisis that threatens the nation’s democratic fabric.
Since mid-2024, the country has witnessed a disturbing surge in abductions, particularly targeting young individuals associated with anti-government protests and online activism.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported over 82 cases of abductions, with 29 still unresolved todate. Victims have recounted harrowing experiences of being detained, tortured, and denied legal representation.
“I do not want a situation where Kenyans disappear… I want to promise you that this will not happen under my watch,’’ asserted Ruto. However, he simultaneously claimed ignorance of any specific abductions, challenging families to provide names for action.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has been a vocal critic of the government’s response. He condemned the abductions and extrajudicial killings as a “profound betrayal of the future of our nation and the sanctity of the Constitution”.
Emphasized that such actions jeopardize the legitimacy of the Kenya Kwanza administration and called for the immediate release of all individuals held incommunicado.
Echoing Maraga’s sentiments, the Law Society of Kenya has demanded accountability. LSK President Eric Theuri criticized the police’s denial of involvement as “insufficient,” urging for decisive action against the perpetrators or the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police.
Amnesty International has also raised alarms, describing the government’s denial of police involvement in abductions as a “blatant lie.” The organization has called for an independent investigation into the disappearances and for the government to take immediate steps to address the violations.
The European Union, United States, and United Kingdom have expressed concern over the situation, with diplomatic missions urging Kenya to uphold human rights standards. Despite these international appeals, the government’s response has been largely dismissive, with officials downplaying the severity of the issue.
Families demand answers
The emotional toll on families of the missing is profound. Mothers and fathers have organized protests, demanding the safe return of their children. One grieving mother stated, “We are not asking for much, just the return of our children. Why is the government silent?” Students from institutions like the Technical University of Mombasa have issued ultimatums to the government, threatening street protests if their demands are not met.
The big question
With the government denying involvement and no clear answers forthcoming, the pressing question remains: Who is responsible for these abductions? The consistent pattern of disappearances, often involving hooded men in unmarked vehicles, points to a coordinated effort that cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents.
The lack of a credible investigation and the government’s reluctance to acknowledge the scale of the problem only fuel suspicions of complicity or negligence. As the crisis deepens, the call for justice grows louder, with citizens and international bodies alike demanding accountability.