By Kelly Were
During a joint press briefing with the visiting Finish president Alexander Stubb, President William Ruto firmly dismissed claims of ongoing enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings in the country, asserting that all previously missing individuals have been reunited with their families.The statement however did not leave netizens satisfied with it painting a photo of self implication on his knowledge of abductions taking place.
“All the people who disappeared or were abducted have been brought back to their families and their homes,” Ruto stated. “I have given firm instructions that nothing of that nature will ever happen again. It was my commitment as I became President that the extrajudicial disappearance of Kenyans would not be part of what we are doing as a nation.”
The President’s remarks were prompted by a journalist’s question referencing a recent report by human rights organization Missing Voices, which documented a sharp rise in enforced disappearances during 2024 — particularly during the anti-Finance Bill protests. The report, released on May 7, cited 55 cases of enforced disappearances and noted a staggering 450% increase compared to previous years.
The President’s comments have sparked a mix of reactions, particularly from opposition lawmakers and online users. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya said Ruto’s statement indicated that the Head of State had prior knowledge of the missing individuals’ whereabouts.
“The statement made by the President yesterday is clearly an indication that the Head of State was aware of the whereabouts of those who had been abducted,” said Gakuya in a follow-up interview.
On social media, the public response has been skeptical. Many users questioned the lack of accountability and transparency regarding the alleged abductions. “He’s the Commander-in-Chief—what did you expect? That all these were happening without his consent?” one user posted.
Another wrote, “My question is: who were the abductors? How did he reach them to command the release? Who has been arrested and prosecuted? If not, what actions are being taken to ensure justice for the victims?”
The Missing Voices report also highlighted challenges in tracing the perpetrators, noting that “some of the vehicles used did not have local number plates,” complicating efforts to identify security personnel involved.
Human rights advocates have long called for independent investigations into disappearances and extrajudicial killings, with families of victims demanding justice and closure. While security agencies have previously denied involvement in the abductions, past allegations from figures such as former Attorney General Justin Muturi have hinted at internal knowledge of the operations.
As public scrutiny intensifies, there are growing calls for a comprehensive, transparent investigation and for the government to clarify who was responsible for the abductions and under whose authority they were carried out. Without such answers, critics argue, reassurances from the highest office may do little to restore public trust.
