The United Kingdom has called for a probe into abductions in Kenya, saying the move would demonstrate the country’s commitment to fundamental human rights.
UK High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan in a post on X welcomed the release of five young Kenyans on January 6, following their disappearance in what is believed to be part of the wave of abductions under the Kenya Kwanza Administration.
“Swift and transparent investigations into reported abductions will demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to fundamental rights, as it takes up its seat on the UN Human Rights Council,” Wigan said.
The envoy joins the US embassy in calling for accountability over the abductions in the country, which the National Police Service has repeatedly denied being responsible for.
In December, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard called on the Kenyan government to put an immediate stop to the abductions of individuals in the country.
Dillard, while mourning the death of former US President Jimmy Carter,called for an end to the abductions.
“President Carter championed human rights worldwide. In the spirit of his legacy, we join the calls in Kenya for accountability and respect for the rule of law. Abductions must end,” he said.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported 82 abduction cases since June 2024, with 13 happening in the last three months.
Five of the six individuals who had been abducted in December 2024 and found alive are Ronny Kiplangat, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull and Billy Mwangi.
Steve Mbisi Kavingo of Mlolongo is still missing and believed to be held by the abductors.
The abductions have triggered uproar among Kenyans and drew attention from international media.
Former Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is now an ally of President William Ruto, has called for an end to the abductions, to which the President has said they will do.
Article 49(1)(f) of the Kenyan Constitution provides that an arrested person ought to be charged in court as soon as reasonably possible, “but not later than– (i) twenty-four hours after being arrested; or (ii) if the twenty-four hours ends outside ordinary court hours, or on a day that is not an ordinary court day, the end of the next court day”.
Additionally, such persons should be informed of the reason for the arrest and have the right to communicate with an advocate, and other persons whose assistance is necessary.
However, those who were released were not allowed to enjoy these rights enshrined in the Constitution.
This comes at a time Kenya is assuming its seat at the UN Human Rights Council this January for a three-year term, having applied for the post in September 2024.
Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and other lobby groups had prior to the October election written to the president of the UN Human Rights Council opposing Kenya’s candidacy.
KHRC cited rampant police violence, restrictions on freedom of expression, and discriminatory practices against marginalized groups.
“There has been a culture of impunity, with many Kenyans suffering from severe human rights violations that may constitute crimes against humanity,” they said in a joint statement.
KHRC urged the international community to recognize that granting Kenya a seat on the UNHRC would undermine the council’s credibility and its mandate to hold human rights violators accountable.
“Instead of being a leader in human rights, Kenya risks becoming a member state that further erodes the very principles the UNHRC was established to protect,” they said.
Further, they argued that supporting Kenya’s bid would not only contradict their commitments to human rights but also send a troubling message to other nations regarding the consequences of state-sponsored violence and repression.
