9 Countries Hit Out At Increased Abductions, Arrests In Kenya

Nine ambassadors and High Commissioners in Kenya have hit out at President William Ruto's administration over the rising cases of abductions and enforced disappearances in the country.

The diplomatic missions from Denmark, Germany, Britain, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and Ireland, in a joint statement issued on Thursday, October 31, reiterated Kenya's constitutional provision for human rights and freedoms.

Even though the embassies congratulated Kenya on its election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, they noted that the Council faces great challenges in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide and its work is evermore essential.

"As active members or observers to the Council, we will support Kenya in corralling the political will necessary to effect change.

"Kenya's own Constitution and its National Legislation set out the rights and fundamental freedoms to which each of its citizens are entitled. It establishes the Bill of Rights as the framework for its economic and social policies. Upholding human rights leads to stability and prosperity," the statement read in part.

It is in light of this that the embassies accused the Head of State of failing to heed his initial promise of ending the menace of abductions and arrests that has been witnessed in recent weeks, despite acknowledging  President William Ruto’s commitment to uphold the rule of law.

They reminded the president that he openly affirmed that such incidents would not happen under his watch and that all individuals involved in abductions would be held accountable.

The diplomatic missions also accused President Ruto’s regime of disobeying court orders that directed the National Police Service (NPS) and other security organs in the country to curb such cases.

"Therefore, we note our concern over ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances despite High Court rulings. It is crucial to ensure the rule of law prevails and the rulings of the judiciary are followed. We note President Ruto's commitment that such incidents will not happen under his watch and that all individuals involved will be held accountable," added the statement.

The diplomats, while expressing their displeasure, urged Ruto to ensure the rule of law prevailed and the rulings of the judiciary were followed. The ambassadors further called for swift investigations into the matter.

"Swift and transparent investigations will enable Kenya to demonstrate to the World its commitment to upholding rights as it takes up its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council," the ambassadors added.

The statement notably did not have the United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman's signature, as has been prominent in previous joint statements, a matter which raised eyebrows among Kenyans, some of whom questioned the motive behind her decision.

Notably, her failure to back the joint statement comes days after she took a swipe at the government for violating privacy rights. Her sentiments followed moments after a local daily exposed how Kenyan telcos were aiding the police in tracing government critics.

"Democracies and democratic rights are things that we share with Kenya. I am certain that people will look into this situation. I think we should take it very seriously." Whitman noted.

Kenya was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for a three-year term from January 2025 to January 2027.

At the same time, cases of abductions and disappearances have been on the rise in the country. The case of blogger Maverick Aoko, who is yet to be found, has caused a public uproar with Kenyans, including political leaders such as Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna, demanding answers from security officers.