Babu Owino Writes To Parliament Demanding Special Sitting Over Abductions

Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has written to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula requesting a special sitting to address what he has termed "urgent matters regarding the state of security in the country."

The outspoken lawmaker, who has been among the most vocal leaders in the wake of abductions in the country, penned to the Speaker on Sunday, December 29 following recent abductions of young Kenyans, particularly in light of the disappearances of Billy Mwangi, Gideon Kibet, Peter Muteti, Benard Kavuli and Ronny Kiplang’at

Owino cited others who have gone missing under suspicious circumstances following one thing in common- their criticism of the Kenya Kwanza government. However, he did not name them in his letter.

He expressed that the disappearances of these individuals have raised grave concerns regarding respect for human rights, freedom of expression, and the integrity of democratic processes. 

Collage of Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti and Gideon Kibet who were reportedly abducted for sharing AI-generate images of the President. /VIRAL TEA KE

"There is growing public anxiety over the role of state agencies in these abductions, particularly the involvement of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Inspector General of Police, and the role of telecommunications companies," he stated in part.

"These agencies and entities are being called upon to answer questions surrounding the safety of Kenyan citizens, particularly those who have been vocal in expressing dissent against government policies and actions."

Owino added that in light of these developments, he requested that the National Assembly urgently convene a special sitting before the scheduled vetting of Cabinet nominees, which should allow for a thorough investigation into the abductions and ensure that all relevant parties are held accountable.

The lawmaker cited Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Ibrahim and the new Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen as government officials who needed to answer pressing questions regarding the state of security in the country.

"It is imperative that this House takes immediate action to interrogate the facts and hold accountable those responsible for these violations, ensuring that the rule of law and constitutional rights are upheld.

"This matter is not only of national importance but also of international significance, as the ongoing abductions and the apparent impunity surrounding them threaten the very foundations of our democracy. Therefore, I strongly urge you to prioritize this issue and facilitate a robust debate on the matter to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all Kenyans," Owino appealed.

Last week, IG Kanja openly distanced the country's security agencies from any wrongdoing in the alleged abductions - sentiments which forced major personalities, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to call for the IG's resignation.

More recently, CS Murkomen also denied any police involvement in the abductions, stating that anyone arrested by the police ought to be taken to court within 24 hours.

President William Ruto, in his first remarks since the abductions hit nationwide headlines, affirmed that he would end the wave of abductions by any means necessary.