LSK Threatens Lawsuit Over Abduction of 4 Kenyans

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on Friday, December 27, announced that it was considering legal action after cases of abduction surged across the country this festive season.

In the 3-page statement from LSK President Faith Odhiambo, the legal body asked families and friends of the missing individuals to provide accurate information that will aid in their preparation for the legal action.

Further, LSK stated that once collected, the data will assist in its implementation of a three-pronged plan that would enable the body to take the necessary steps against the abductors.

“We express grave concern over the recent rise in abductions, enforced disappearances, and related human rights violations targeting individuals, specifically social media users such as Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and the reported detention of Gabriel Supeet at Ntulele Police Station amongst others,” they stated.

Bernard, Billy and Peter were allegedly abducted over claims of circulating AI images of President Ruto online and their whereabouts are currently unknown. Gabriel was abducted and detained at Ntulele police station and no updates has been issued since.

“In the face of the troubling trend, the Law Society urges families and close relations of the abducted individuals to come forward with comprehensive and accurate information regarding these incidents,” the statement read in part.

“This data will enable us to:

• Document the circumstances surrounding each case of abduction and disappearance.
• Initiate appropriate legal proceedings where rights violations have occurred.
• Facilitate advocacy at both national and international forums to hold perpetrators accountable.” 

“We assure the public of our unrelenting commitment to ensure justice is served and to support the families during this challenging time. We encourage members of the public who possess credible information about the abducted individuals to report to the LSK Secretariat or any of our regional offices,” the LSK added.

LSK further condemned the abductions taking issue with the government over its ambiguous position and called for the immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of the victims of what many term as ‘state-sponsored abductions.’ 

“The state’s silence and lack of accountability regarding the whereabouts of abducted individuals only serves to erode public trust and confidence in the government’s capacity to protect its citizens. We demand an immediate disclosure of the location of the missing individuals and either their unconditional release or presentation before a court of law,” the LSK affirmed.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo further accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of lacking knowledge of his mandate and urged the IG to back up his words of denying police involvement in the abductions with the appropriate actions.

“It is insufficient for the Inspector General of Police to merely deny police involvement in these abductions without explicitly outlining the steps being taken to address these egregious violations. The Inspector General appears to lack awareness of his mandate under the law or the ability to discharge it effectively. This is a grave abdication of duty that cannot be countenanced in a constitutional democracy,” they noted.

While reiterating their commitment to advocating for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law in Kenya, the LSK called for a national dialogue on the issue of enforced disappearances and the development of a “comprehensive strategy to combat these violations.”