Four social media users went missing after they shared
AI-generated images of President William Ruto that were deemed
offensive by supporters of the government.
The rights commission on Thursday warned that Kenya was heading
back to the “dark days” of disappearance of government critics.
The abduction and torture of the opposition was common under the
administration of the late President Daniel Moi.
“We wish to remind the NPS (police) of its role in securing
Kenyans from such violent acts, particularly noting that these
abductions are happening in broad daylight, with some of them
being captured on CCTV but still no arrests are taking place,”
commission chairperson Roselyne Odede said.
Rights groups allege the country's police force is behind the
abductions by human rights groups - have denied involvement and
said they were investigating the disappearances.
A joint statement by 21 human rights groups issued on Wednesday
urged police to hold those responsible for the abductions
accountable.
“Any failure to act sets a dangerous precedent and will embolden
further violations of human rights,” the statement read.
In October, nine European envoys raised concerns over enforced
disappearances and urged Ruto to ensure justice.
The envoys spoke after four Turkish nationals were abducted from
Kenya and repatriated despite registering with the U.N as asylum
seekers, citing threats to their lives back home.
Kenya was among several African countries elected to the U.N
human rights council on Oct. 9.
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