KHRC Demands Resignations of Kindiki, Murkomen, Ichung’wah, and Four Others Over Support for Abductions and Extrajudicial Killings

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has demanded the immediate resignation of seven senior government officials, accusing them of supporting and justifying illegal abductions and extrajudicial killings.

In a statement released on January 6, KHRC named Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, and Tiaty MP William Kamket for allegedly endorsing unlawful actions against government critics.

The human rights group claims that the leaders’ public statements, which have defended or downplayed the issue of abductions, have directly contributed to a culture of impunity and undermined Kenya’s democracy.

KHRC argues that their actions violate Kenya’s constitution, particularly the principles of human rights, the rule of law, and accountability, and calls for them to step down from their positions.

“We are calling for the resignation of these leaders who have used their public platforms to justify state-sponsored abductions and extrajudicial killings,” said a KHRC spokesperson.

“Their comments and actions have seriously violated the constitutional rights of Kenyan citizens and have contributed to a climate of fear and oppression.”

The demand for resignations comes amid a troubling year of rising abductions and extrajudicial killings, particularly affecting outspoken critics of the government.

In 2024 alone, human rights organizations reported dozens of abductions, including 82 youths who were taken by security forces.

Many of these individuals were involved in protests or had expressed criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.

KHRC claims that the surge in these incidents is not coincidental but part of a deliberate effort to silence dissent and intimidate those who oppose the government.

The commission’s statement highlights the complicity of the political leaders named in supporting or downplaying the abductions, which it believes have been carried out with the tacit approval of the state.

In a joint report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and KHRC, 29 out of 82 missing persons remain unaccounted for, despite growing calls for accountability.

Public outrage over these disappearances reached a peak after youths were abducted for sharing satirical content about President Ruto, including AI-generated images mocking his administration.

“The reported abductions and killings of young people are a blatant violation of their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and security,” said the KHRC.

“When public officials justify or ignore these violations, they are complicit in perpetuating a culture of impunity.”

The statements made by the accused leaders have only escalated tensions.

On January 3, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah claimed that some of the reported abductions were exaggerated and that individuals seeking to undermine President Ruto’s government were fabricating stories for personal gain.

His comments, made during the requiem mass for the mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, were seen by critics as an attempt to deflect attention from the growing evidence of state involvement in the abductions.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi took the rhetoric even further, suggesting that the government had the right to use “brutal tactics” to deal with critics, particularly the youth.

He controversially blamed their behavior on a “lack of parental guidance” and issued a warning to parents not to complain when government forces “take action” against their children.

The controversy deepened with remarks from Sirisia MP John Waluke, who dismissed the abductions as “fabricated stories” aimed at tarnishing the government’s image. His comments came on the same day as Ichung’wah’s, in Bungoma.

In a separate incident, Tiaty MP William Kamket mocked calls for President Ruto’s resignation, suggesting that those using satirical images to criticize the president were “lazy bones in bed.” Kamket also implied that Ruto’s administration could extend his term without facing any consequences, sparking further concern about the erosion of democratic principles.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, in another alarming statement, expressed his support for the abductions of individuals who created or shared satirical images of President Ruto. Sudi indicated that if he were in charge of the Ministry of Interior, he would have dealt with these individuals swiftly through authoritarian measures.

Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has consistently denied any involvement of the security forces in abductions and extrajudicial killings.

Murkomen’s comments, made during a December speech in Bungoma, trivialized the gravity of the situation, even as human rights organizations documented increasing cases of violence and abuse.

KHRC has condemned these leaders for violating the core principles enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution, particularly the national values of human dignity, democracy, and the rule of law. According to Article 10 of the Constitution, all state officers are required to uphold human rights, integrity, and accountability.

Article 73 further demands that authority entrusted to public officers be exercised in a manner that is consistent with the Constitution’s purposes and objectives.

KHRC argues that by supporting unlawful actions, including abductions and extrajudicial killings, these leaders have failed in their duty to serve the public and respect the fundamental rights of Kenyans.

The commission warns that their actions are not only damaging to Kenya’s democracy but also undermine public trust in the government and its institutions.

“These public figures have a responsibility to protect the rights of citizens and uphold the rule of law. By defending illegal actions and violating constitutional principles, they have shown a complete disregard for the well-being of the Kenyan people,” said the KHRC in its statement.

The KHRC is calling for immediate investigations into the role of these political leaders in the abductions and extrajudicial killings of government critics.

The commission demands that any individuals found culpable face legal consequences, including prosecution and permanent disqualification from holding public office.

“Kenya cannot afford to continue on this dangerous path of silencing opposition through violence and intimidation. These leaders must be held accountable for their actions,” said the KHRC spokesperson.

“It is time for those in power to respect the Constitution, restore the rule of law, and protect the rights of every Kenyan.”

KHRC has made it clear that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take further action to ensure that justice is served.

The organization has pledged to document every statement made by these leaders that supports the erosion of Kenya’s democratic values and will pursue all available legal avenues to hold them accountable.