During the Finance Bill debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah dismissed concerns over recent allegations of abductions and forced disappearances amid ongoing Anti-Finance Bill protests.
Ichung'wah provided clarification, highlighting President William Ruto's commitment to addressing the issue, thereby downplaying reports of such incidents.
"We are beyond the days when Kenyans were being abducted and killed and their bodies dumped in River Yala and River Tana." He said.
"A situation where Kenyans are abducted and their bodies fished out will never happen," he added.
In recent times, many individuals have tragically become victims of abduction and enforced disappearances. Human Rights Organizations have voiced their concerns to relevant authorities regarding the prevalence of these alarming incidents in the country.
Speaking in the National Assembly, the leader of the minority, Opiyo Wandayi, enlisted the names of seven Gen Z protestors who he alleged had been abducted to unknown destinations.
"In addition to Oguda, we have Osama, Drey, Temper CR7, Kiprono Chad, Harriet, Franje, and World Smith. These are patriotic Gen Z Kenyans who are out to protest."
The Minority Leader called on Ichung'wah to collaborate with Inspector General Japhet Koome to provide a comprehensive account of the whereabouts of those who have been abducted.
During his address in the house, Wandayi highlighted the disturbing and untimely disappearances. He forwarded a list of all individuals reported missing to the Majority Leader for further investigation.
According to reports, vocal social media and political activists such as Gabriel Oguda and the well-known Osama Otero, who were actively involved in the popular X Space campaign against the Finance Bill, were reported missing shortly after Tuesday's protests.
Various institutions, civil rights organizations, and communities have strongly condemned the recurring incidents. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accused certain government investigative units of orchestrating a series of abductions targeting Kenyans opposed to the Finance Bill.
“We call on all members of the public to be extra vigilant at this time. Let us continue to share and communicate any information you may have to establish the whereabouts of our comrades,” Faith Odhiambo stated.
This comes against the backdrop of intense finance bill protests across various parts of the country.
