CS PUBLIC SERVICE JUSTIN MUTURI CALLS OUT RUTO GOVERNMENT OVER RISING CASES OF ABDUCTIONS.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Bedan Muturi has broken his silence over the increasing cases of abductions and unexplained deaths in the country, a matter he describes as alarming and a threat to Kenya’s stability. Speaking candidly about his personal ordeal and the government’s responsibility, Muturi called for urgent action to address the issue.
Muturi, who joined the Kenya Kwanza coalition on the basis of shared principles with his Democratic Party, admitted that recent developments have shaken his confidence in the coalition’s commitment to justice and human rights. “We accused past regimes of extra-judicial killings and disappearances, and we vowed that under our watch, such atrocities would not happen. It is disheartening that we are witnessing similar incidents today,” he stated.
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that since the Gen Z revolts in June 2024, the country has witnessed a troubling rise in abductions, with many victims being young people. He described the anguish families are facing, recounting his own harrowing experience when his son was abducted last year.
“As a father and then Attorney General, I was powerless. My son disappeared without a trace. For months, my family lived in anxiety, not knowing whether he was alive or dead. Even after his release, no charges were brought against him, and no explanations were given. This is unacceptable,” he lamented.
Muturi criticized the security apparatus for failing to address the issue effectively, adding that public statements from senior officials, including the Inspector General of Police, suggest a lack of accountability. “The government cannot claim ignorance or abdicate its duty to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Such statements only deepen the public’s mistrust and frustration,” he remarked.
At a funeral in Embu on January 3, 2025, Muturi openly questioned the government’s position on the matter, arguing that it was impossible for officials to claim they had no knowledge of the abductions. His comments, he said, were intended to spark honest and open debate on how to resolve the crisis.
“The cardinal duty of the state is to protect its citizens. Failure to do so risks plunging the country into chaos and anarchy,” he warned.
Muturi urged security forces to arrest and prosecute those involved in the abductions, while ensuring the immediate release of individuals being held unlawfully. He also appealed to Kenyans to demand accountability and transparency in addressing this pressing issue.
“I am fully aware of the doctrine of collective responsibility. However, as a victim and a government official who has not received any answers, I feel compelled to speak out. The silence and inaction cannot continue,” Muturi said.
The CS concluded with a call for unity and action, emphasizing that finding a lasting solution is essential for safeguarding the country’s future. “This is a matter that affects us all, and we must address it with urgency and resolve. The lives of our youth, the dignity of our nation, and the principles of justice and human rights are at stake,” he asserted.
Muturi’s statement has reignited national debate on the role of government in addressing human rights violations, with many Kenyans awaiting tangible actions to end the abductions and ensure justice for victims.
