Nairobi, Kenya – Since widespread protests erupted in Kenya in June 2024, a disturbing trend of alleged forced disappearances has emerged, raising serious concerns about human rights and police conduct. The Kenyan National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) has documented 82 cases of alleged forced disappearances since the protests began. While some victims have been fortunate enough to return to their families, 29 individuals remain missing, their fates unknown. The perpetrators of these abductions remain unconfirmed, though many accusations point towards the police. Requests for comment from the National Police Service have gone unanswered.
The accounts of two brothers, Aslam and Jamil Longton, offer a chilling glimpse into the alleged abductions. The brothers claim they were abducted in broad daylight in August 2024 near their home in Kitengela Town, just outside of Nairobi. Aslam recounted feeling a sense of unease earlier that day, noticing unfamiliar individuals seemingly monitoring his movements. While driving together, their car was allegedly ambushed by two vehicles – a Toyota Vitz and a Subaru – carrying heavily armed men who appeared to be police officers.
According to Aslam, the men forced him out of the car, while his brother Jamil was initially spared. However, when Jamil challenged the abductors, demanding to know their identities and the reason for his brother's arrest, he too was seized. Jamil described attempting to call the local police station's Officer Commanding Station (OCS) but had his phone confiscated and was subsequently assaulted and bundled into the Subaru.
The Longton brothers allege they were handcuffed, blindfolded, and transported to an undisclosed location where they were held captive for 32 days. Amnesty International and the KNHRC have corroborated the brothers’ account, noting its similarity to other reported abduction cases. Ernest Cornel of the KNHRC told VOA that victims have described being denied food, kept in handcuffs for extended periods, stripped naked, and forced to lie on concrete floors.
Aslam believes his abduction was a direct consequence of his participation in the Gen-Z protests against a proposed tax bill last year. These protests, initially focused on the tax issue, evolved into broader demonstrations calling for an end to corruption and the president's resignation. The controversial bill was ultimately withdrawn. While Aslam participated in the protests, his brother Jamil did not. Nevertheless, both brothers reported being repeatedly interrogated about the protests' funding during their captivity.
Human rights groups have accused the Kenyan police of employing excessive force against protesters, including the abduction of government critics. The police have denied these allegations, claiming they had credible intelligence that criminal gangs had infiltrated the protests. Approximately 60 people died during the protests, and hundreds were arrested. The KNHRC reports that 82 people have been reported missing since June 2024, with 29 still unaccounted for.
Following further protests in Nairobi in December 2024 demanding the whereabouts of the missing individuals, President William Ruto condemned the surge in disappearances, vowing that any criminality, whether by citizens, criminals, or police, would be investigated.
Despite the president’s pledge, victims like Aslam and Jamil report continued intimidation after their release. They claim to be followed by suspicious vehicles and feel they are under constant surveillance. The KNHRC has joined their call for international investigations into these alleged forced disappearances and ongoing intimidation.
This troubling situation underscores the urgent need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged forced disappearances in Kenya. The international community is closely watching to see how the Kenyan government addresses these serious human rights concerns and ensures accountability for any perpetrators, including within its own law enforcement agencies.
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