The Kenya Judiciary has condemned recent incidents of abduction of citizens involved in criticising President William Ruto and his government through social media platforms. 

In a post on social media, the judiciary said abductions threaten the constitutional rights of Kenyan citizens. 

“Kenya is a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law stands as a foundational value and guiding principle of our governance. Abductions have no place in law and indeed are a direct threat to the rights of citizens,” the Judiciary said. 

“In light of these reports, we strongly urge security agencies and all connected entities to adhere to the law to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms,” it added. 

The statement follows public uproar over the abduction of citizens who have been seen to critique the government. The said persons have used artistic expressions including silhouette cartoons, AI-generated images and memes to criticise President William Ruto. 

Cartoonist Kibet Bull, his brother Rony Kiplangat, Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi are among social media users that have been reported missing. 

On Thursday morning, Inspector General Douglas Kanja said the National Police Service (NPS) is not involved in the abductions and none of the abductees is held at police stations. 

“For clarity, the Constitutional mandate of the National Police Service is not to abduct, but arrest criminal offenders,” Kanja said.

Kanja further faulted the public for what he termed as ‘tarnishing the image of NPS.’

“We therefore appeal to the public to refrain from spreading false, fabricated, malicious, distasteful, misinformed and unverified information aimed at tarnishing the reputation and image of the National Police Service,” he added.

Earlier, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it had dispatched teams to investigate whether police officers are involved in the abductions. 

“Where fault is found, the Authority shall make recommendations for prosecution, internal disciplinary action or any other appropriate relief, and shall make public the responses received to these recommendations,” said IPOA.