The Law Society of Kenya(LSK) President Faith Odhimambo has explained why it is taking so long for the Judiciary to solve the abduction cases recorded in recent months.
Speaking at the People's Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park on Wednesday, March 5, Odhiambo explained that despite the court's willingness to hasten the abduction cases, police investigations end up consuming a lot of time and as a result, the cases end up delayed.
"Yes, there has been a delay and if you have watched some of the cases closely, it's also the court trying to have that delicate balance between hurrying the matter and also at the same time allowing the other side to also proffer their case," she stated.
"If the IG of police comes and says that they are still investigating, that they are trying to follow up on evidence, that they are yet to get statements, you see this also ties the court's hand because the court cannot tell the National Police Service how to investigate and how fast," she stated.
Odhiambo, however, noted that the Judiciary's efforts to pressure individuals in high offices to attend court cases have played a key role in hearing some of the cases and thus prompting the release of some individuals who were abducted.
The LSK President also observed that the delay in solving these cases will potentially lead to more abductions and more deaths.
"While some cases have not been heard and determined fully, the pressure of demanding some high profile people to appear in the court has helped because we have seen the release of several abductees but most unfortunate is this recent case of the three that had been abducted and turned up dead. That's why we keep pushing and explaining to the court that these orders are very crucial because they are a determinant of life and death," she stated.
Since the Gen Z protests in June 2024, Kenya has faced an increase in cases of abductions resulting in backlash, with some arguing that the cases are taking the country back to the dark days.
According to data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), a total of 82 cases of abductions have been recorded in the past nine months.
Despite the increased cases of forced disappearance, the country's security agencies have denied any involvement while claiming others were arrests and not abductions.
Police IG Douglas Kanja has numerously denied the involvement of police in the cases.
On his part, President William Ruto promised Kenyans that his administration would ensure abduction cases end.
“What has been said about abductions, we will stop them so Kenyan youth can live in peace, but they should have discipline and be polite so that we can build Kenya together,” Ruto said.
