Today the Law Society of Kenya played before the High Court some of the videos related to the ongoing abductions showing President Ruto vowing to end the abductions.
One of the clips shown featured President William Ruto saying, “Tutasimamisha hizo abductions,” with another showing Journalist Macharia Gaitho being abducted by unknown individuals at Karen police station.
The petitioners in the case led by the Law Society of Kenya said the purpose of the clips was to try and establish how the arrests were being conducted and how people were being treated.
The court at the same time heard that two of the petitioners among them Steven Kavingo are still missing.
LSK Boss Faith Odhiambo told Justice Bahati Mwamuye that they still don’t have answers regarding the whereabouts of the two missing persons.
Judge Mwamuye had issued orders requiring the production of the petitioners and appearance of the IG in court over their alleged abduction.
At the time the orders were issued all of them were missing including Billy Mwangi. But they were released on January 6 leaving two others still missing.
What followed was suspension of earlier orders requiring the attendance of the IG over the same.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) strongly condemned the recent surge of abductions and called on the state to put an end to “the heinous trend which is a gross violation of fundamental rights and freedoms”.
The commission told the court that Billy Mwangi, and five others were abducted by armed masked men and moved to different locations during their captivity.
The court heard that when they were released, they were given a transport fee ranging between sh 2000 to sh 3500.
The advocate in closing said they believe the state is responsible for the abductions relating to Billy Mwangi and others and should be held accountable for the same.
The case proceeds in Court.
