Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims that abductions have increased in Kenya since 2024, challenging those raising the concerns to provide evidence to support their allegations.
Speaking before the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 5, Murkomen maintained that available government statistics did not indicate an increase in abduction cases. He also defended the government’s response to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
“There has never been an increase of abductions since 2024,” Murkomen told lawmakers.
Murkomen Dismisses Claims of Rising Abductions in Kenya
The Interior CS criticised those alleging an increase in abductions, arguing that their claims were not supported by verifiable information.
He described the allegations as “mere guesswork, no data, no information, speaking out of imagination”, insisting that discussions about national security should be based on facts.
Murkomen said the government was committed to ending abductions and extrajudicial killings, adding that every reported incident was investigated individually to establish the circumstances and identify those responsible.
“All cases that involve abductions or suspected abductions or missing persons are thoroughly investigated to make sure that perpetrators are arrested,” he said.
Government Establishes Anti-Abduction Investigations Unit
Murkomen disclosed that the government had established a dedicated Anti-Abduction Investigations Unit to handle reported cases of kidnappings and abductions.
He also alleged that some reported incidents, particularly those involving political leaders, had been staged.
According to the Cabinet secretary, individuals found responsible for staging such incidents had been taken to court.
His remarks came amid questions from lawmakers over reported abductions and missing persons in different parts of the country.
Murkomen Promises Written Updates on Missing Persons Cases
The Interior CS admitted that he had not received updates on the investigation status of some cases before appearing before Parliament.
He promised to submit specific information in writing, allowing lawmakers to receive updates on the individual investigations.
Murkomen maintained that each reported disappearance should be examined independently rather than used to establish a general pattern without verified evidence.
Murkomen Says Government Does Not Authorise Abductions
The Cabinet secretary insisted that the government had no policy allowing security agencies to abduct Kenyans.
He argued that anyone involved in such acts was committing a crime, regardless of whether they worked within the security agencies.
“Government doesn’t abduct people. The police do not abduct people. But maybe rogue police officers can work with rogue criminals to abduct people,” he said.
Murkomen further stated that arrests must comply with the Constitution, including the requirement that suspects be presented in court within 24 hours.
Interior Ministry Addresses Criminal Gangs and Border Security
Beyond abductions, Murkomen discussed the government’s efforts to dismantle criminal gangs and strengthen security across the country.
He said the government was also addressing illicit alcohol, drugs and substance abuse, which he linked to wider concerns about public safety.
On insecurity along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, the CS said Kenya was engaging Ethiopia diplomatically to prevent conflicts in neighbouring regions from spilling across the border.
He added that security agencies, including the military, were working to protect Kenya’s territorial integrity against possible incursions.
