Human rights organizations has condemned the recent wave of abductions.
The human rights activists through the Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, raised concerns over the abduction of some social media users who were picked up from different locations by unknown people, after making certain remarks on the X platform.
PRWG in a press statement shared via Amnesty Kenya’s official X account said social media users Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti and Bernard Kavuli had been abducted.
The group also stated that Gabriel Supeet had also been forcibly arrested and detained at the Ntulele Police Station, and questioned the whereabouts of Naomi a.k.a @Jaber_totoo.
Release of abduction victims
They have called for the immediate release of the said youths, or have them produced in a court of law as per the Kenyan constitution.
“The Police Reforms Working Group strongly condemns the recent abduction of social media users Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti and Bernard Kavuli. We note the reported arrest and detention of Gabriel Supeet at the Ntulele Police Station and public anxiety as to the whereabouts of Naomi a.k.a @Jaber_totoo.
“We remind the Government of Kenya of its unequivocal duty to uphold the Constitution, which guarantees the freedom and security of the person under Article 29. Any arrest or detention must strictly adhere to the rule of law, including the obligation to provide access to legal representation, present those arrested before a court of law within 24 hours or release them on bond, as stipulated in Article 49 of the Constitution,” PRWG stated.
The group went ahead to warn that the government’s continued silence on the whereabouts of the mentioned Kenyans only serves to deepen public mistrust in the state’s commitment to protect its citizens.
PRWG on those responsible for abductions
The security and law enforcement agencies have also been challenged to demonstrate their commitment to justice by holding accountable those responsible for the abductions, should the National Police Service be found not to have been involved.
“The state’s continued silence and lack of accountability surrounding the whereabouts of Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli only serves to deepen public mistrust in the state’s commitment to protect its citizens.
“We call upon the government to immediately reveal the location of these individuals, ensure their safety, and present them before a court of law or release them unconditionally. Should, as the National Police Spokesperson publicly stated on Tuesday, that the abductions are not the work of the Police, the security and law enforcement agencies must demonstrate its commitment to justice by holding accountable those responsible for these abductions. Any failure to act sets a dangerous precedent and will embolden further violations of human rights,” the statement read.
#FreeNaomi, #FreeBillyMwangi, #FreePeterMuteti, #FreeBenardKavuli—release them or present them in court!
— Amnesty Kenya (@AmnestyKenya) December 25, 2024
The Government of Kenya must uphold the Constitution and guarantee freedom and security for all, as enshrined under Article 29. https://t.co/55awCjrGaY pic.twitter.com/CeUor3hzUX
