The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has expressed concern over the increasing reports of abductions.
In a statement dated December 25, 2024, IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan stated that the rising cases of abductions reported on mainstream and social media are alarming.
The authority vowed to investigate the recent incidents, involving victims identified as Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, and an unnamed fourth individual which occurred on various dates in December 2024 across the Embu, Nairobi and Kajiado counties.
In addition, IPOA, which is mandated to investigate disciplinary or criminal complaints against police officers, has deployed Rapid Response Teams to the affected areas.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is concerned with the rising cases of abductions of various persons allegedly by members of the National Police Service (NPS). This is after reports of the abductions emerged in mainstream media and in social media.
“Rapid Response Teams were dispatched to the areas of incidents with instructions to obtain all information that may be relevant in unveiling the circumstances surrounding the abductions and whether there was police involvement as generally alleged,” Ahmed Issack Hassan stated.
The authority also recommended prosecution, internal disciplinary action, or any other appropriate relief, and shall make public the responses received to these recommendations.
“Where fault is found, the Authority shall make recommendations for prosecution, internal disciplinary action or any other appropriate relief, and shall make public the responses received to these recommendations,” IPOA added.
IPOA further urged the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take swift and decisive measures to address the worrying trends of abduction.
“Lastly, IPOA notes that it is the responsibility of the NPS to protect all persons in Kenya against illegal denial of their fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution through abductions.
“The Authority therefore calls upon the Inspector General of Police to take urgent measures to stop this growing and worrying trend of abductions in the country,” he said.
IPOA has reaffirmed its commitment to independence, impartiality, and fairness in its operations, assuring the public of its dedication to upholding justice and accountability in policing.
IPOA’s position on the rising cases of abductions. ^DD pic.twitter.com/gKndSeqCzZ
— IPOA (@IPOA_KE) December 25, 2024
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