Kenya's Police Supervision reports ten abductions during protests
After the latest protests in Kenya, the independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating ten complaints regarding the abduction of activists. In a statement from this complaints desk for police misconduct, it was stated that the investigations concern unlawful arrests and prolonged disappearances.
In eight of the cases, the affected individuals have reappeared, it was stated. However, there are reports of intimidation and torture. One man was found dead, another is still missing.
The IPOA urged the alleged abduction victims to make personal statements about the incidents and hopes for testimonies from witnesses and the provision of CCTV recordings.
The Kenyan Human Rights Commission spoke about at least 32 abducted activists in connection with the prolonged protests against the government of President William Ruto. The protests, mainly by young people, initially targeted a controversial tax law, but soon also targeted the government leadership and widespread corruption in the eastern African country.
Ruto dissolved his cabinet on Thursday and dismissed all ministers except Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi with immediate effect. He also announced in a speech a lean government and an inter-party dialogue that is scheduled to begin in the coming week.
The Kenyan Human Rights Commission noted that the opponent's political campaign has been associated with numerous kidnappings of activists during the protests. The Police supervision during the protests has come under scrutiny due to allegations of unlawful arrests and prolonged disappearances. Despite the investigation by IPOA, there are ongoing reports of intimidation and torture towards those who have reappeared.
