The Law Society of Kenya has indicated that the current spate of mysterious abductions and kidnappings has resulted in the disappearance of 50 Kenyans.
And even though some of them have been released by their abductors, LSK president Faith Odhiambo says the current trend where victims are kept incommunicado for several days is of great concern.
The LSK boss says some of them have been tortured by their kidnappers.
“Reports that we have received indicate that about 50 young Kenyans have so far been abducted including my own personal assistant Ernest Nyerere who was picked up from his residence this morning at 5:00am,” she said in a statement
At the time she released her statement, Ms. Odhiambo had indicated the society was still trying to locate abductees such as Shadrack Kiprono aka Shad Khalif, Osama Otero, Gabriel Oguda, John Frank Githiaka-Franje, Drey Mwangi, Worldsmith, Hilla254 and many others that were yet to be identified, to no avail.
The LSK President said it was even more worrying that amid ongoing kidnappings, abductions and force met out on Kenyans protesting Finance Bill 2024, there has been no word from Kenya’s development partners.
“I have a message to the international community who for a second week running, remain quiet and tight-lipped. Are you proud of what is happening in Kenya?” she posed
She lamented the silence at a time when two Kenyans, Rex Kanyike Masai and Evans Kiratu who were participating in peaceful protests lost their lives as a result. She said the two deaths are linked to police brutality.
“The list of Kenyans killed by law enforcers keeps growing and we cannot continue to be silent. No, it cannot be a trend. Because today it is Rex and tomorrow they may come for me and the day after, you, who is watching or listening,” she charged
“The wave of police brutality on peaceful protesters, abductions and killings of innocent Kenyans has pushed us to review our approach and involvement in this noble campaign for Justice for all Kenyans,” added the LSK President
She called upon all advocates, other professional bodies and Kenyans of goodwill to stand up against brutality directed at demonstrators.
