Nine ambassadors and high commissioners in Kenya have raised concern over the increased cases of arbitrary arrests and abductions in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, October 31, the envoys urged the government to ensure the rule of law prevails, adding that they are aware of President William Ruto‘s commitment that incidents of enforced disappearances will not happen under his watch.
The statement was issued by envoys representing the Great Britain, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.
“Therefore, we note our concern over ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances despite High Court rulings. It is crucial to ensure the rule of law prevails and the rulings of the judiciary are followed.
“We note President Ruto’s commitment that such incidents will not happen under his watch and that all individuals involved will be held accountable.”
President Ruto had earlier in August maintained that he is not aware of any Kenyan who was reportedly abducted by security agencies in the country during or after the recent spate of anti-government protests across the nation.
The head of state made the claims during a town hall session in Kisumu on August 29.
During the meeting, he urged citizens whose kin or friends have reportedly gone missing under mysterious circumstances during protests to come forward with their names, adding that action will be taken by the government.
Also Read: CJ Koome Revisits Anti-Ruto Protests and Police Abductions
The statement by the envoys comes following Kenya’s nomination to take up a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council amid increased cases of abductions by law enforcement agencies in the country.
US and other Countries address cases of abductions in Kenya
They have highlighted that swift investigations into the cases will enable the country to demonstrate to the world its commitment to upholding rights as it takes up the UN Human Rights Council position.
Also, the statement comes barely two days after the United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman expressed concern over allegations that Kenyan authorities are tracking citizens through their mobile phones, leading to abductions or unlawful arrests.
Addressing the issue during a public event on October 29, Ambassador Whitman emphasized the need for privacy and democratic values to be upheld in Kenya.
She further stated that the rule of law and the rights of citizens must be respected in all democracies.
“I don’t know enough about this issue yet, but what I will say is the laws of privacy and the rule of law around your rights as a private citizen must always be respected in democracies,” Whitman said as quoted by Nation.Africa.
Also Read: Ruto Cornered on CNN to Explain Why He Unleashed KDF on Unarmed Protesters
Whitman added that the allegations should be taken seriously, as privacy is a fundamental right in any democracy.
Meg Whitman responds to allegations of authorities tracking Kenyans through phone data
She also acknowledged that the situation requires further investigation and stressed the importance of holding governments accountable to safeguard individual freedoms.
Whitman concluded by reiterating that democratic values and respect for the privacy of citizens must be central to any government’s operations, stressing that trust between citizens and their leaders depends on upholding these principles.
The allegations of Kenyan authorities tracking citizens through their phones have since sparked public concern.
An exposé by Nation.Africa suggested that the location data from mobile phones owned by Kenyans are being used by detectives to track individuals and, in some cases, abduct them or place them under arrest.
The exposé claimed state agencies and mobile service providers are collaborating to conduct unauthorized tracking and monitoring of citizens.
However, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin has since dismissed the allegations.
Amin while speaking on Wednesday during a press briefing described the accusations as unfounded, asserting that any data obtained from service providers follows legal protocols.
“On the issue of police conspiring with mobile service providers, we don’t do that completely,” said the DCI director.
Amin explained that when the DCI requires information from service providers, it adheres to legal procedures.
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