The United Kingdom has urged President William Ruto’s administration to conduct swift and transparent investigations into the recent disappearances of youthful Kenyans.
In a statement on Thursday, British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan on Thursday expressed approval for the release of the five Kenyans who were found alive on January 6 after their mysterious disappearances.
However, he maintained that Kenya’s decision to address these abductions would demonstrate the country’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights.
According to the British representative, it would also boost the country’s position on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) which Kenya leads.
British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan during an event.
Photo
Mondoweiss
“We welcome the release of 5 Kenyans on 6 January, following their disappearance. Swift and transparent investigations into reported abductions will demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to fundamental rights,” Neil Wigan commented.
Wigan’s stern message to the government comes barely three days after about five Kenyans who were reportedly abducted in December last year were found alive in different locations.
Among those found alive included 24-year-old Billy Mwangi and 22-year-old Peter Muteti. The duo was found alive alongside Benard Kavuli and Kibet Bull’s brother Ronny Kiplagat.
On the said day, Peter Muteti was found alive within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) by good samaritans who handed him over to his family members.
On the other hand, Billy Mwangi was allegedly dumped in Nyeri County by his abductors before he was later reunited with his family in Embu. Additionally, Kavuli and Kiplagat were found alive in Kitale and Machakos Counties respectively.
Meanwhile, Wigan’s call for investigations comes just a day after the High Court in Nairobi summoned the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss Mohamed Amin to appear before it on January 27.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye made the ruling after the duo declined to turn up in court on Wednesday, January 8 where they had been directed to come along with all the Kenyans who were abducted in December.
In the petition filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the suit also mentioned other senior government officials including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and and Kikuyu Member of Parliament Kimani Ichung’wah.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho during a media briefing on July 23, 2024.
Photo
National Police Service
