Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has joined prominent politicians and Kenyans in calling out the National Police Service following the alleged abduction of X users who criticised President William Ruto.
In a statement on Thursday, December 26, the MP accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of taking Kenyans for fools by denying allegations 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.”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja during the Afripol Extra-Ordinary General Assembly Meeting on November 28, 2024.
NPS
He went on to describe absolving of the police from any blame as plainly deceitful, as families and siblings of the abducted bore the grim reality of missing loved ones.
“How dare he shift the burden to the public when Kenyans have witnessed police brutality, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings? When mothers, fathers, and children are searching for their loved ones, the IG’s hollow appeals for restraint ring with cruel irony,” he remarked.
Noting that IG Kanja’s tenure has been marked by a pattern of arbitrary abductions and blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life, he called for his resignation.
“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 government either, calling them out for what he termed as a deafening silence over the abductions.
The MP urged the government to take action and ensure the IG resigns or else he would disperse his lawful mandate and file a censure motion 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 parting shot was to the families of the abducted to whom he promised to keep fighting until they were all released from custody.
Over the past week, at least four young Kenyans have been reportedly abducted for sharing offensive AI-generated images of the President and another for producing cartoon silhouettes depicting prominent politicians.
A photo collage of Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi who were reportedly abducted for sharing AI-generate images of the President.