The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has dismissed claims that Kenyan police officers are involved in the abduction of citizens, maintaining that such actions are not constitutional.
Kanja, who spoke on Friday evening during an interview on NTV, emphasised that the National Police Service (NPS) strictly operates within the confines of the law, adding that he was committed to upholding it to the fullest.
He insisted that the work of police officers is clearly outlined in the law and that abduction was not among the duties defined in the Kenyan Constitution.
The IG reiterated that the service would not delay in taking immediate and appropriate disciplinary action against officers found culpable of aiding abductions.
"We do not have police officers abducting Kenyans. This service and its members understand their duties very clearly, and in our duty, abduction is not part of it," Kanja said.
He added, "If anyone can go in that direction, then believe you me, then we will carry out appropriate action, as guided by the laws."
Kanja's remarks come on the back of a surge in the cases of abductions across the country, particularly of vocal critics of the government, including human rights activists.
Reports indicate that since June last year, during the anti-government protests, there have been 82 recorded abductions, with 29 people still missing as of mid this year.
During the interview, the IG also addressed concerns surrounding the case of Collins Jumaisi, who reportedly escaped from police custody under unclear circumstances.
Kalusha, the prime suspect in the murder of 42 women whose mutilated bodies were found dumped inside a quarry in Mukuru kwa Njenga, escaped jail last year.
According to Kanja, the police service had already taken appropriate action against officers deemed responsible for allegedly aiding in Jumaisi's escape from the cell.
He noted that a fresh manhunt for Jumaisi had been launched, with investigations currently underway to establish his whereabouts and bring him to book.
"We know what transpired in our station, and appropriate action was taken against those who were deemed to have allowed Juamisi to escape our custody. I know we are going to lay our hands on Jumais, and he must pay for his crimes," the IG noted.
