FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nairobi, 10 June 2026 — Amnesty International Kenya is gravely concerned by the reported abduction of businessman Athorbey Al‑Gaddhaffy‑Dit (also known as Gadafi Athorbey Guet), a citizen of Kenya, in Nairobi in the early hours of today.
Credible information indicates that at approximately 3:00 a.m. on 10 June 2026, Mr. Gaddhaffy‑Dit was forcibly taken by armed, masked individuals. We believe that he may be detained at Jomo Kenyatta Airport and soon be deported to South Sudan. This constitutes a serious and urgent threat to his life, safety, and fundamental rights.
This incident bears the hallmarks of an enforced disappearance, a grave violation under Kenyan and international law. Such actions are illegal, unacceptable, and incompatible with a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
Amnesty International Kenya reminds all state agencies that:
- Every person in Kenya is entitled to liberty, security, and protection from arbitrary arrest or detention;
- Any arrest must be lawful, transparent, and documented;
- Detainees must be promptly informed of the reasons for arrest;
- They must have immediate access to legal counsel, family members, and medical care;
- They must be presented before a court within the constitutionally prescribed timelines.
We make the following urgent demands:
- Immediate disclosure of the whereabouts of Athorbey Al‑Gaddhaffy‑Dit;
- Guarantees of his safety, physical integrity, and access to medical care;
- Immediate and unhindered access to his family and legal representatives;
- A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into his abduction;
- Accountability for all individuals and entities responsible, regardless of rank or affiliation.
If Mr. Gaddhaffy‑Dit is suspected of any offense, the only lawful course of action is to proceed through Kenya’s justice system, not through abduction, incommunicado detention, and deportation
All persons are entitled to the full protection of the Constitution of Kenya. Kenyan authorities must demonstrate, without delay, their commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human rights.
We call on all relevant authorities to act immediately and stop his removal from Kenyan jurisdiction and the protection of our courts. Every hour without information increases the risk of irreparable harm.
Signed, George Morara Section Director Amnesty International Kenya
ENDS
Media Contact: Mathias T. Kinyoda Mobile: +254 786 725434 Email: [email protected]