Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised serious concerns regarding a squad allegedly involved in a series of kidnappings in Kenya. In his remarks, Gachagua claimed the squad is linked to a relative of a Cabinet Secretary and operates from an office located on the 21st floor of a building in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). While Gachagua identified only the officer in charge of the squad by the first name “Abel,” he withheld further details, stating he would disclose the officer’s full name and the building’s precise location within a week if all kidnapped individuals are not released unconditionally.
These allegations have brought renewed attention to the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances in Kenya, a practice that has sparked concerns about the involvement of government officials in such activities. Human rights organizations have long called on the government to improve its transparency and accountability in addressing the increasing cases of abductions and disappearances. They have urged the authorities to act decisively and prosecute those responsible for the rising number of kidnappings.
Gachagua’s promise to release more information if the captives are not freed has heightened public scrutiny of the government and its response to the allegations. The one-week deadline has placed pressure on the authorities, who now face heightened expectations regarding their handling of the situation. The growing concern over these accusations could potentially lead to unrest if swift action is not taken to address the issue of enforced disappearances and the involvement of high-ranking officials in such practices.
As the deadline approaches, the spotlight will be on whether the government will respond to these allegations and take steps to ensure justice is served for the victims of abductions
