Nairobi, 28 August, The Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) is deeply concerned by the continued practice of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests, despite President Ruto’s promise to end this practice. We urgently call upon President William Ruto to fulfil his legal obligation to uphold and protect the Constitution and end the harrowing practice of enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests.
On 17 August, Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) board member Khelef Khalifa was arbitrarily arrested for insisting the police follow the recent court order banning the deployment of masked officers during routine police duties. We reiterate article 49 of the constitution of Kenya, which protects the rights of all arrested persons, including access to legal assistance and clear information on reasons surrounding the arrest. We call upon the Inspector General of Police to hold to account police officers who executed the unlawful arrest and uphold constitutional procedures when effecting arrests.
On 19 August, Bob Njagi, Aslam Longton, and Jamil Longton were abducted in broad daylight following the Kitengela protests. It has been eight days since the three individuals were separated from their families in unclear circumstances in total disregard of the rule of law and fundamental human rights. We call upon the Inspector General of Police to investigate and reveal the identities of the men who abducted Bob, Aslam and Jamil and have them presented before a court of competent jurisdiction in line with constitutional provisions and orders issued by the High Court in HCCHRPET/E436/2024.
We urge President Ruto to uphold his promise and quickly address enforced disappearances, abductions and arbitrary arrests and ensure that all state agencies abide by the law when executing arrests. The pain and suffering endured by victims and their families must come to an end. The government must take immediate steps to hold those responsible for these violations accountable and prevent further occurrences. Your leadership currently on this matter is crucial in restoring justice and upholding the human rights of all Kenyans.
We call on the National Assembly to remain seized by and act on these constitutional violations and enact legislation to protect Kenyans against forceful disappearances, investigate and hold accountable those responsible for enforced disappearances.
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This statement is signed by the Police Reforms Working Group-Kenya, an alliance of national and grassroots organisations committed to professional, accountable, and human rights-compliant policing. They include:
Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), Kariobangi Paralegal Network, Defenders Coalition, Katiba Institute, Social Justice Centres Working Group (SJCW), Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), International Justice Mission (IJM-K), HAKI Africa, Amnesty International Kenya, Women Empowerment Link, Social Welfare Development Program (SOWED), Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA- Kenya), International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ – Kenya), Transparency International Kenya, Shield For justice, Wangu Kanja Foundation, Constitution and Reform Education Consortium (CRECO), Kenyans for Peace, Truth and Justice (KPTJ), Peace Brigades International Kenya. (PBI Kenya)
Background
Arbitrary arrests, abductions and forced disappearances of Kenyans bearing dissenting opinions and views against the government have been on the rise since the protests began in June 2023. President William Ruto has repeatedly spoken against this practice. In January 2023, he disclosed that he had fired former DCI boss George Kinoti due to the alarming rise in cases of forced disappearances and police murders in the country.
This gave hope to many Kenyans who have suffered from this brutal practice. The President’s commitment was further reinforced during his inaugural X space, where he emphasised police officers must identify themselves and declare the reason for arrest when detaining someone.
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