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Nyeri, Kenya – December 27, 2024
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised alarm over the alleged abductions of prominent social media figures, suggesting the government may be using these disappearances to silence vocal critics. Speaking during a press conference at his Mathira home in Nyeri County, Gachagua linked the recent spate of abductions to an ongoing crackdown on dissent, accusing the government of resorting to oppressive tactics reminiscent of past authoritarian regimes.
The former Deputy President’s remarks come in the wake of mounting concerns over the safety of outspoken social media personalities, many of whom have gone missing under suspicious circumstances. Human rights organizations have raised the alarm, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reporting that at least 82 people have been forcibly disappeared since anti-government protests began earlier this year. Among those abducted are several individuals who have made headlines for their outspoken criticism of the government on social media platforms.
In particular, four prominent social media users were reportedly abducted after posting offensive AI-generated images of President William Ruto, further fueling suspicions that the state is targeting those who use digital platforms to challenge its authority. Rights groups have expressed grave concern over the apparent resurgence of forced disappearances, drawing comparisons to the dark days of former President Daniel arap Moi’s regime, when critics of the government were often subjected to torture and arbitrary detention.
“We are witnessing a return to the tactics used by the previous regime, where government critics were abducted, tortured, and silenced,” said a spokesperson from one of the rights organizations. “The state has a duty to protect its citizens, yet we are seeing a complete disregard for the rule of law.”
Despite several CCTV recordings capturing the abductions, no arrests have been made, and victims’ families continue to demand justice. The National Police Service has faced increasing pressure to act, with rights groups urging authorities to investigate the disappearances and hold accountable those responsible for the violations.
International attention has also been drawn to the escalating situation. European envoys in Kenya have condemned the abductions, urging President Ruto’s government to uphold its human rights obligations and ensure accountability for these unlawful acts. The European Union has called for a thorough investigation into the matter, emphasizing that enforced disappearances cannot be tolerated in a democratic society.
The issue of state surveillance has also emerged as a point of concern. In November, Gachagua himself accused the state of monitoring his movements, claiming he had been followed by unmarked vehicles and subjected to covert surveillance. He described an unsettling experience when a suspicious vehicle followed him to various locations, and a subsequent check of its registration revealed discrepancies. Gachagua likened these actions to the oppressive tactics used by the government in Kenya’s past, highlighting the growing climate of fear among those who criticize the administration.
As the pressure mounts, rights groups have vowed to continue pushing for justice and an end to the arbitrary detentions. The situation in Kenya remains volatile, with many questioning whether the government will take action to safeguard citizens’ rights or continue to silence dissent through fear and intimidation.
The calls for transparency and accountability grow louder as the international community watches closely, hoping for an end to the alarming trend of abductions and enforced disappearances in Kenya.