Kenya’s African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson candidate and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has once again addressed the rising cases of abductions in the country, which have sparked outrage among Kenyans, including political leaders, religious figures, civil society groups, and various institutions.
In an interview with Citizen TV, Odinga condemned the harassment of Kenyans simply for holding different opinions.
The former Prime Minister expressed concern over the alarming rise in such cases, sharing that he has been a victim of state-sponsored torture in the past.
He recalled the harrowing experiences he endured, including abductions, torture at Nyayo House, and subsequent interrogations by state operatives.
Raila revealed that he spent two weeks in the infamous chambers, while others were detained for months.
“Yes, in our days they used to arrest people, then put you into a vehicle blindfold you, run around with you and end up in the dungeon there in Nyayo House where they would put you in a waterlogged cell to freeze overnight. And then you would be taken, clobbered, your eyes tied and then you would be interrogated, and they extract confessions from you. Then when you have confessed, you will be taken to Court in the evening then sentenced at that time,” said Raila.
Raila Odinga questions IG Kanja’s stance that Police are not involved in abductions
While responding to a statement by the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja who denied any involvement by the National Police Service in the recent abductions, Odinga questioned the manner in which the recorded cases have been conducted.
“These abductions are a very dangerous development. You see young people being abducted, they even have video clips, by people who are so confident they look like Police officers in civilian clothes, but they really know what exactly they are doing, and they are taking people in unknown destinations and torturing them, from the revelations of those that have been released,” added the AUC Chairperson hopeful.
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The former premier further highlighted that in some instances, the abducted people have been handcuffed before being taken to unknown destinations, adding that handcuffs are not items easily accessible by ordinary citizens.
“They have handcuffs, people are being handcuffed. Â Handcuffs are not goods that you can go in a supermarket and buy.
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Handcuffs are special items only bought by the state, ordinary civilians cannot have handcuffs. Tell me who are these people who have got handcuffs, and they have got the confidence to abduct a person in the presence of people and no Police officer is doing anything against them. What kind of squad is this?” he posed.
At the same time, Odinga while highlighting that he is a graduate of state torture said that he opposes the return of the trend, affirming that he is against people being harassed merely because they hold different opinions over policies.
Ruto breaks silence
President William Ruto on Friday broke his silence on the rising spate of abductions in the nation amid heaping public uproar.
Speaking in Homa Bay, Ruto, however remaining reserved, saying that he will end the abductions to restore public trust in national security.
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The head of state further urged parents to lead from the front in mentoring and protecting their children to uphold peace in the nation.
“And what has been said… abduction matters. We will stop. So that Kenyan youth can live in peace and have discipline so that we build Kenya together,” noted Ruto.
“We all want to walk together. I want to urge all parents that our children are a blessing from God, and you should take care of them and the government will do our part.”
The recent cases of abductions have been widely condemned by many Kenyans, including political leaders, religious figures, civil society groups, and various institutions.Â
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has demanded the disclosure of the locations where abductees are being held amid rising tensions.
In a statement on Friday, LSK noted that the state’s silence on the abductions is unbecoming, and the lack of accountability continues to erode public trust.
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