Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has issued a statement following the alleged abductions associated with the anti-Finance Bill Protests.
In a statement on July 9, Kindiki expressed concern over the abductions and enforced disappearances reportedly perpetrated by security personnel.
Additionally, he highlighted the legal protections against unlawful arrests, emphasizing their importance in safeguarding Kenyan citizens.
“The Government has noted with concern claims of abductions and enforced disappearances allegedly perpetrated by security personnel,” Kindiki stated.
“All persons within the territory of Kenya are protected from unlawful or arbitrary arrests, abductions, enforced disappearances or any other illegal method of confining suspected criminals for purposes of investigations for prosecution or for whatever purpose whatsoever.”
Kindiki Gives Way Foward on Abductors
Further, Kindiki affirmed that the law guarantees the protection of all rights and will not tolerate any violations, whether perpetrated by security personnel or by public or private individuals.
“The Government reiterates its duty to respect and ensure the protection of all constitutionally guaranteed rights and will not condone any violation whether perpetuated by security personnel or by public or private persons,” he said.
Likewise, Kindiki stated that the Independent Constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and hold any persons implicated in the abductions.
He added that law enforcement officers suspected of involvement in unlawful arrests will also be held accountable.
“Independent Constitutional and statutory agencies will investigate and prosecute any person or official who may be implicated with violating the Constitution by perpetrating confinement of any person outside the law,” the statement read further.
Also Read: Autopsy Report Reveals What Killed JKUAT Student Found Dumped in Quarry
Kindiki Recounts Demonstrations
The CS recounted the events that occurred between 18th and 27th June 2024 while reiterating the constitutional right to demonstrate and picket.
Moreover, he pointed out the infiltration of goons disguising themselves as protestors to disrupt the peaceful protest.
“Between 18th and 27th June 2024, demonstrations that began peacefully in expression of the fundamental right to the freedom of assembly, demonstration, picketing and petitioning of public authorities were hijacked by a group of violent organized criminals who terrorized the public, robbed the demonstrators and attempted to burn down Parliament and vandalize the office of the Chief Justice,” the statement read.
Similarly, Kindiki explained that in as much as Kenyans have a right to demonstrate, it should be within the parameters provided for under the Constitution.
“This right, as well as all other constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms must be enjoyed within the law, peaceably and without disrupting civil order. So enjoyed, human rights and freedoms are inherent, inalienable and cannot be taken away by any person or authority,” he said.
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Accountability on Implicated Persons
The CS emphasized that while discussions of national matters have begun, efforts to hold those responsible for serious crimes and disruptions to public order, are also in progress.
In addition, he stated measures the government will undertake to avoid a repeat citing that the perpetrators of the crimes will be prosecuted upon completion of ongoing investigations.
“As the conversation on taxation and other priority national issues commence, the process of accountability for serious crimes that resulted in loss of life, destruction of property and breach of the peace is simultaneously underway.
“To avoid repeat behavior of impunity, the organizers, planners and financiers of the crimes that were committed against the people of Kenya in the pretext of peaceful demonstrations will be prosecuted once the ongoing investigations are completed,” the statement read.
Denzel Omondi found Dead
Kindiki’s statement comes after the body of Jomo Kenyatta university of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Denzel Omondi was found dumped in a quarry in Mashimoni, Juja, in Kiambu County on July 6.
Omondi was among protesters who marched to Parliament during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests before being reported missing.
Amnesty International Kenya, a human rights group revealed that an autopsy on Omondi’s body showed that he died by drowning.
“Juja Postmortem reveals Denzel Omondi died by drowning; bruises need further investigation, “Amnesty revealed.
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