Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has joined notable politicians and Kenyans in condemning the National Police Service for allegedly abducting X users who criticized President William Ruto.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 26, the MP accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of misleading Kenyans by denying that the police carried out the abductions.
“The statement issued today by the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, is a blatant insult to the intelligence and dignity of Kenyans,” part of the statement read.
“It is a callous attempt to downplay the gravity of a matter that has left families broken, communities in fear, and the entire nation in outrage.”
He went on to say that absolving the police of any responsibility was patently deceptive, as relatives and siblings of the abducted faced the awful reality of their lost loved ones.
“How dare he shift the burden to the public when Kenyans have witnessed police brutality, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings?” he posed.
“When mothers, fathers, and children are searching for their loved ones, the IG’s hollow appeals for restraint ring with cruel irony.”
He stated that IG Kanja’s tenure has been distinguished by a pattern of arbitrary abductions and flagrant disdain for the sanctity of human life.
“I therefore demand his immediate resignation to pave the way for credible investigations and the restoration of public trust in the National Police Service,” the MP declared.
He did not spare the authorities, criticizing them for what he described as a deafening silence on the abductions.
The MP urged the government to intervene and guarantee the IG to resign, or he would disperse his lawful mandate and submit a censure resolution against him.
“If the IG does not resign, I will mobilise every lawful mechanism available to hold him and the National Police Service accountable, including parliamentary censure motions,” he said.
Babu’s final message was to the relatives of the abducted, promising to fight until they were all released.
Over the last week, at least four young Kenyans have been reported kidnapped for posting disrespectful AI-generated photos of the President and another for creating cartoon silhouettes of famous politicians.
