In a gripping turn of events, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi revealed details of his son’s alleged abduction and subsequent release.
The CS recorded a statement at Kilimani Police Station on Tuesday, Muturi recounted the ordeal that began on June 22, 2024, when his son, Leslie Muturi, was reportedly kidnapped by armed, hooded men in Nairobi.
A Sudden Disappearance
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the abduction occurred as Leslie was traveling along Denis Pritt Road with Hon. Mark Mwenje and another friend after leaving a social gathering. A white Toyota Prado blocked their path, and gunmen forcibly removed Leslie from his vehicle. Attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful, sparking immediate concern.
Efforts to Locate Leslie
Muturi acted swiftly, reaching out to top government officials, including the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and the Director of Criminal Investigations Mohammed Amin. However, their responses indicated no official police operation was underway, casting doubt on the perpetrators’ identities.
CCTV footage obtained later that night confirmed the involvement of the white Prado and another vehicle trailing Leslie before the abduction.
A Breakthrough Amid Rising Tensions
The search intensified as family, friends, and officials worked tirelessly to trace Leslie. Tensions peaked when a National Intelligence Service (NIS) officer informed Muturi that his son was being held by “their people.” However, NIS Director General Noordin Haji initially denied knowledge of the matter.
Determined to escalate the issue, Muturi reached out to President William Ruto directly. After narrating the harrowing events, the President personally intervened, contacting Haji. Within an hour, Leslie was released and safely returned home.
An Appeal for Transparency
Muturi’s account raises questions about the motive behind the abduction and the potential misuse of government resources. “Why would a young person be detained like this? If it’s related to demonstrations or any other issue, there are lawful ways to address such matters,” he said, emphasizing the need for accountability.
Leslie’s abduction and eventual release have sparked public debate about security and transparency in government operations. Muturi has called for thorough investigations to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents.
The incident has left many Kenyans questioning the circumstances surrounding such abductions and underscoring the critical need for trust between the public and law enforcement agencies.
Today, I honored an invitation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to record a statement at Kilimani Police Station regarding the abduction of my son, Leslie Muturi, last year. pic.twitter.com/b9BxfHPmCb
— Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH (@HonJBMuturi) January 14, 2025
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi records a statement at Kilimani Police Station regarding the abduction of his son during anti-government protests in June 2024. pic.twitter.com/BftcFaUiJb
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 14, 2025
