The Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) on Monday called for the immediate release of Abanas Wambua, a Nominated Member of the County Assembly (MCA) allied to the Kalonzo Musyoka-led party.
According to a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, Wambua, also known as Councillor Kana, was reportedly abducted by persons posing as police on Saturday morning in Makindu.
The letter, signed by Wiper Democratic Movement Secretary General Senator Shakila Abdalla, describes how Wambua was allegedly forced into a car that sped away towards Mombasa County.
His whereabouts have remained unknown for the past 48 hours, causing significant distress among his family, colleagues, and friends.
Wiper Party has strongly condemned the suspected abduction, labelling it a gross violation of human rights.
"The Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM) Party unequivocally condemns the abduction of Hon. Wambua, as a gross violation of human rights and equivalent to arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearance as prohibited under Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010," the letter states.
Article 29 of the Kenyan Constitution prohibits enforced disappearance, defining it as the arrest, detention, or abduction of an individual by state agents or persons acting with state sanction, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the person's fate or whereabouts.
The Eastern Kenya party asserts that Wambua’s alleged abduction fits this definition and demands his immediate release and safe return to his family in Makindu.
"We demand that Hon. Wambua be released immediately and returned to his family in Makindu, Makueni County. We also demand that the government immediately end these illegal actions and release all others who have been arbitrarily arrested," the letter reads.
The letter further reminds Inspector General Japhet Koome of the constitutional obligations to uphold the rights to liberty and security and to prevent arbitrary arrests and detentions.
The WDM in the letter asserted that it holds the Inspector General personally responsible for the safety and well-being of Wambua.
"We remind you, Inspector General, that the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, ensures the right to liberty and security and forbids all forms of arbitrary arrest and detention. All state officers, including the police, must preserve these rights and treat all citizens with dignity and respect. We shall hold you personally responsible for everything and any harm that has occurred to Hon. Wambua," the letter concludes.
By the time of publishing this article, the National Police Service was yet to respond to Wiper's statement.
