The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a public statement addressing mounting concerns over a recent surge in disappearances, a situation that has drawn attention from the Catholic Bishops of Kenya and the wider public.
According to a statement sent to Uzalendo News, Police Inspector General Douglad Kanja said the wave of Gen Z protests from June to July against the Finance Bill 2024 saw not only injuries and fatalities but also a significant number of people reported missing.
A total of 57 individuals were recorded as missing during the protests. While police have located 22 of these individuals alive, six were tragically found deceased.
Unfortunately, 29 people remain unaccounted for, prompting the police to intensify search efforts.
The NPS emphasized that finding these individuals is a top priority, with investigative teams deployed to trace those still missing.
Family members and community leaders have expressed growing concern, urging authorities to increase transparency and expedite search operations to provide closure for affected families.
The issue of disappearances has intensified public scrutiny of the NPS and underscored the need for greater measures to prevent such incidents, especially during times of civil unrest.
NPS assured the public that it is dedicating resources and expertise to bring these investigations to a close. As part of these efforts, the police are asking for community cooperation and any information that could aid in locating those still missing.
