The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has given Police Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) three days to fast-track investigations into the rising cases of abductions in Kenya.
The directive, issued on Sunday, requires both agencies to provide updates or submit completed investigation files by January 1, 2025.
In a statement, Ingonga expressed alarm over the disappearance of three individuals—Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, and Bernard Kavuli—who have been missing since December 2024. Reports suggest they were detained under suspicious circumstances by unidentified individuals.
“I have noted the reports of suspected cases of abductions and forceful disappearance of citizens, appearing in both mainstream and social media, with the greatest concern,” Ingonga stated.
He emphasized the State’s duty to uphold citizens’ rights to life, freedom, and security as outlined in Articles 26 and 29 of the Constitution.
The DPP acknowledged IPOA’s press release on December 25, 2024, and the IG’s statement on December 26, 2024, both committing to investigate these cases. However, Ingonga urged immediate action given the severity of the situation and public outrage.
“Noting the gravity of the allegations, and the immense public interest that the same has drawn, I have, pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution, directed both the Inspector General of Police and the IPOA to expedite the investigations touching on reported abductions and alleged forced disappearance of citizens, and forward the resultant files for perusal and action, and/or provide an update on the investigations, within 3 days from the date hereof,” he said.
The DPP’s directive coincides with plans by Kenyans on social media to hold demonstrations on December 30, 2024, protesting the surge in abduction cases.
The Office of the DPP reassured citizens of its commitment to upholding justice. “The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to executing its mandate as per the rule of law, with due regard to the public interest, administration of justice, and prevention of abuse of the legal process,” Ingonga concluded.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
