Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has given an ultimatum to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) regarding the abductions and forced disappearances of citizens.
In a statement issued on Sunday, December 29, DPP Renson Ingonga expressed deep concern over reports of suspected abductions and forced disappearances of citizens, widely circulated in both mainstream and social media.
He directed IG Kanja and IPOA to expedite investigations into the reported cases of abductions and alleged forced disappearances of citizens.
They are to forward the resultant files for perusal and action or provide an update on the investigations within three days from the date hereof.
“Noting the gravity of the allegations, and the immense public interest that the same has drawn, I have, pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, directed both the Inspector General of Police and the IPOA to expedite the investigations touching on reported cases of abductions and alleged forced disappearance of citizens, and forward the resultant files for perusal and action, and/or provide an update on the investigations, within three (3) days from the date hereof,” read the statement in part.
DPP Gives IG Kanja 3-Day Ultimatum Over Abduction of Kenyans
The DPP noted that at least five such cases had been reported in December 2024 alone.
The missing individuals as identified by DPP Ingonga are Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull, and his brother Ronny Kiplagat.
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All five remain unaccounted for after allegedly being taken by unidentified individuals under unclear circumstances.
“I am cognizant of the State’s obligation to protect and preserve the right to life, and the freedom and security of the person as provided for under Articles 26 and 29 among other provisions of the Constitution of Kenya,” the statement read further.
Ingonga also acknowledged the press statement issued by IPOA on December 25, 2024, announcing investigations into various abduction incidents, as well as the clarification provided by the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS) on December 26, 2024, regarding the alleged involvement of the NPS in these cases.
He added that both institutions have separately committed to investigating the incidents.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to executing its mandate as per the rule of law, with due regard to the public interest, administration of justice, and prevention of abuse of the legal process,” he added.
Also Read: Gachagua Explains Why He Did Not Mention the Building Used to Coordinate Abductions
Planned Protests Over Rising Cases of Abductions
The statement comes after a section of Kenyans planned demonstrations on Monday, December 30, 2024, amid the spate of abductions in the nation which continues to heap public uproar.
On December 27, activities in Embu Town were paralyzed after protests by a section of residents who took to the streets demanding the release of social media influencer Billy Mwangi who was allegedly abducted.
Billy went missing on the afternoon of Saturday, December 21, after being forcibly taken from a barbershop in Embu town.
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