Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua has accused President William Ruto of spearheading a series of abductions that have plagued the country over the past six months.
Speaking during a live interview on Citizen TV on Monday, December 23, Karua alleged that the abductions, including those of Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, were orchestrated by a covert “killer gang” that reports directly to the Head of State.
Karua claimed that the group operates independently of the National Police Service (NPS), comprising foreign operatives and select Kenyans with military backgrounds. According to her, President Ruto is the only individual who knows the true identities of the abductors.
“I believe William Ruto is behind the abductions because you cannot separate the state from its leader,” Karua stated. “This squad operates outside the police force, under a unique command structure, and only Ruto can reveal who these people are. No wonder they don’t introduce themselves when abducting citizens.”
She further alleged that the squad includes foreign mercenaries, specifically from Uganda and Burundi, who collaborate with Kenyan authorities. Karua cited the case of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who she claimed was arrested in Kenya by Ugandan operatives in coordination with Kenyan security forces.
“These mercenaries cross our borders without documentation or extradition protocols. This is gangster-style abduction facilitated by the government. William Ruto has violated the law,” she asserted.
Young Kenyans Targeted
Karua also accused President Ruto of targeting young Kenyans who express dissent online, particularly through satirical posts.
Peter Muteti, 22, was allegedly abducted by four armed men, including one in police uniform, after posting and later deleting a controversial image of the President on social media. Witnesses said he was forced into a vehicle that sped off.
Similarly, Billy Mwangi was reportedly kidnapped from a barber shop in Embu by four masked men driving a double-cabin pickup. Witnesses described the abductors as armed but could not identify them.
“He is abducting young people for creating satire on social media. This is not a criminal offense; it may be distasteful, but it’s no reason to harm them,” Karua said. She urged the President to develop a thicker skin, remarking, “If you want to hold the highest office in this country, you must arm yourself with asbestos. Don’t catch fire easily.”
Police Deny Involvement
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, in a separate interview, denied any police involvement in the abductions. “Police do not abduct; we arrest, and suspects are taken to court. If any abduction is reported, our role is to investigate and ensure justice is served,” he stated.
Kanja dismissed claims of police officers participating in the abductions, leaving unanswered questions about who is behind these incidents. He emphasized the collaborative nature of Kenya’s security agencies, including the National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“Security is not just about the police; it is a collective effort. We depend on intelligence to keep the country safe,” he explained.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations have called for greater transparency and accountability, warning that these abductions erode public trust in security agencies and undermine the rule of law.
The controversy has sparked a heated national debate, with many questioning the extent of state involvement in the abductions and the broader implications for freedom of expression and human rights in Kenya.
