Claims of increased abductions since 2024 are false - CS Murkomen

CS Murkomen said statistics pointed to a reduction in abduction cases since the incumbent regime took office in 2022.

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen holds a meeting with a section of leaders from North Horr Constituency on November 3, 2026. Photo/Courtesy

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has refuted claims of increased abductions since 2024, citing that President William Ruto has kept his word on ending cases of extrajudicial killings and kidnappings.

Appearing before the National Assembly on Wednesday, November 4, the CS said statistics pointed to a reduction in abduction cases since the incumbent regime took office in 2022.

In contrast, he pointed out that under the previous administration, cases of bodies floating in River Yala and enforced disappearances were rampant.

“Claims of increased abductions since 2024 are false. To the contrary, the statistics show that since we took office in 2022, there have never been bodies floating in River Yala as it was before or cases of crocodiles eating people in River Tana or wild animals eating people in Aberdares," he stated.

"This government policy was clear in its campaign period that we will end cases of extrajudicial killing or abductions."

CS Murkomen added that all recent abduction cases were under investigation and those culpable would be arrested.

He, however, stated that certain incidents are self-abductions designed to gain political sympathy, attract attention, or push hidden agendas.

"There have also been cases of staged abductions, including incidents involving individuals faking illnesses," he noted.

"There have also been arrests of leaders, including Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, over allegations of theft and incitement, which should not be misrepresented as cases of abduction.”

On goonism, CS Murkomen stated that security operations had been strengthened ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He added that those suspected of orchestrating violence would face the full force of the law.

“We have strengthened our security operations as we approach the election season. We have prioritised receiving advance schedules of political events from both government and opposition leaders to enable the police to make adequate security arrangements," Murkomen highlighted.

Murkomen's remarks come as the country has recorded several cases of unlawful abductions and enforced disappearances, sparking widespread public alarm, legal protests, and heavy condemnation from human rights organizations.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) recently recorded 46 new cases of enforced disappearances in a National Reparations Framework report presented to President Ruto in June 2026.

The Commission highlighted that the majority of the cases involved protesters who were held incommunicado and tortured.

"The Commission is particularly concerned that questions remain unresolved regarding the whereabouts and fate of some persons reported missing," the report read in part.

"The State must establish, without further delay, the whereabouts of all missing persons, detained in undisclosed locations or otherwise unaccounted for, and must publicly account for the measures being undertaken to locate them."