A former youth leader has accused the government of being behind a recent wave of abductions targeting Kenyan social media influencers.
The abductions are said to be targeting young people criticizing the government. Some of those abducted have been linked to viral silhouettes and cartoons targeted at President William Ruto’s government policies and projects.
But according to the youth leader David Maina, the abducted youths have done nothing wrong.
Speaking to Uasin Gishu News, Maina called for the immediate release of the youths. So far, at least five youths are believed to have been abducted, with their whereabouts still unknown.
“It is sad that Kenyans criticizing the government for some of its policies have been abducted. The government must release them as they have done nothing wrong,” Maina said.
He pointed out that the youths were only expressing their displeasure with the direction the country is taking under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to the former national youth leader, the country’s economic situation has worsened over the last year.
“During this festive season, we have many challenges Kenyans are facing. Comparing this year and last year, no Kenyan is enjoying the season as they have been burdened by many government policies like high taxes and the expensive Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF),” Maina noted.
Are police abducting government critics?
He spoke at a time when the National Police Service has distanced itself from the abductions.
In a statement on Thursday, December 26, 2024, Inspector General of Police David Kanja said none of the missing youths were in their custody.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the Country that is holding the reported abductees,” Kanja said in part of the statement.
