The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has strongly criticized President William Ruto’s recent denial of police abductions during anti-government protests, labeling his remarks as a “blatant lie.”
The commission stated that over 22 people have been abducted and 53 arbitrarily arrested, including doctors and lawyers, with others in hiding due to police threats.
In a statement, the KHRC emphasized that President Ruto’s claim of being unaware of any enforced disappearances by security agents during the protests is false.
On the International Day of the Disappeared, the commission called for Ruto to be held accountable for these incidents that occurred under his administration.
During a town hall session on Thursday, President Ruto maintained his stance, asserting he had no knowledge of any abductions despite reports of numerous individuals being taken by suspected police officers since mid-June.
He invited families of the missing to provide names so his administration could take action.
The KHRC responded by highlighting documented cases of forced disappearances and the suffering of affected families.
The commission urged the government to conduct an independent investigation and take immediate steps to address these violations.
President Ruto had previously suggested that the Ford Foundation was involved in funding some of the protests that have recently shaken Kenya.
His comments have raised concerns among various stakeholders, including the diplomatic community.