Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of enabling the recent wave of abductions through his silence, claiming it suggests tacit approval.
Speaking in Nyeri on Friday, Gachagua urged President Ruto to take full responsibility for the alarming trend and address the issue decisively, warning that inaction would allow the cases to persist unchecked.
"To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his knowledge and consent," Gachagua remarked.
He argued that the abduction victims all share a common thread: their criticism of President Ruto and his administration. Gachagua emphasized that the government cannot dissociate itself from the escalating crisis.
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He also criticized the police for their failure to act, pointing out the existence of ample evidence, including witnesses, CCTV footage, and grieving families.
"How can the police still be in denial when there are witnesses, CCTV footage, and countless grieving families coming forward?" he asked. "Our security agencies are either complicit or profoundly incompetent and unable to take decisive action on one of the most significant crises the country has faced under this administration."
Gachagua further accused the government of targeting him for highlighting the inefficiencies of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). He had previously criticized NIS Director General Noordin Haji, blaming him for the anti-government protests in June that resulted in deaths and destruction.
"When I raised concerns about the dysfunctionality of the NIS, I was accused of being insubordinate. However, the events of recent months have regrettably validated my position," Gachagua stated.
He called for Haji’s resignation, arguing that a more competent leader is needed to restore public confidence in the intelligence service. Gachagua claimed that his criticism of Haji led to a lawsuit against him and efforts to oust him from office.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has revealed that 29 people have gone missing due to abductions since June. Thirteen cases have been reported in the last three months alone, bringing the total to 82 since June 2024.
The government faces growing pressure to address the crisis and restore national security.
