Tensions surrounding the rising number of abductions in Kenya reached a boiling point in Western Kenya on Friday, as political figures openly criticized President William Ruto’s administration.
The controversy intensified after Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya called out government officials for downplaying the issue, demanding that those in power take responsibility for the growing crisis.
The recent wave of abductions, primarily targeting outspoken youths critical of the government, has raised fears of renewed protests akin to last year’s Gen Z movements that nearly shook the government.
Natembeya’s comments during the burial of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother provoked a fierce backlash from Ruto’s allies, who accused him of stoking division and fueling unrest.
Natembeya, a former Rift Valley regional commissioner and a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, responded to Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who had dismissed the allegations of abductions as fabrications aimed at discrediting the government.
“It is deeply unfortunate for anyone to suggest that people are abducting themselves.
This should never be allowed to happen,” said Natembeya, emphasizing that no one should suffer violence or abductions due to online criticism.
“Every day, I face insults on social media, but that does not justify violence against anyone.”
The remarks led to an acrimonious exchange between Natembeya and members of Ruto’s team, including Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Ichung’wah, a fierce defender of the president, accused Natembeya of inciting ethnic divisions and hinted at his involvement in past abductions.
“Your divisive politics will get you nowhere.
When people were being dumped in River Yala, you were in charge of abductions as regional commissioner,” Ichung’wah claimed.
The Kikuyu MP also took issue with Natembeya’s disrespect towards Wetang’ula, saying the governor had no right to criticize the Speaker, given their political differences.
The exchange unfolded as President Ruto and other dignitaries looked on silently.
In his speech, the president called for respect for the rule of law, strongly denying the allegations of abductions and extrajudicial killings, and vowed that such acts would not occur under his watch.
“We will not allow the country to revert to a state where bodies are dumped in rivers,” Ruto declared.
The abduction of political critics, particularly those active on social media, has become a source of national concern.
Recent cases include the disappearances of six individuals following a viral social media campaign mocking the president.
The High Court ordered the immediate release of the six detainees on Monday, demanding that they be brought before the court.
As the political debate raged on at the funeral, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi called for more constructive criticism.
“The role of the opposition is to critique the government, but it must be based on facts,” Mbadi said.
“When I was in opposition, I would focus on the areas where the government could improve, but I never disregarded the positive actions.”
Amid the heated exchanges, Minority Leader Junet Mohammed reminded Kenyans that political change should follow the democratic process.
“We must respect the constitution and wait until the next election. It’s wrong to plot the removal of a leader just two years after an election,” Mohammed stated.
He stressed that both the majority and minority sides should focus on their roles until 2027.
The funeral in Bungoma was attended by several political figures, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, and various Cabinet Secretaries.
Mama Nanyama, who passed away on December 20, was laid to rest at the ceremony, marking the end of a long illness.
Rights Groups Urge Kenyan Government To Free Or Arraign 29 Missing Youths Amid Growing Pressure
Email your news TIPS to Editor@NairobiNews.co.ke