Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru Says Ending Abductions Starts With Removing Ruto

Nairobi, Kenya — September 25, 2025 (EAT).

Political commentator and lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has accused President William Ruto of presiding over a regime he claims is responsible for abductions and human rights violations, insisting that only a political change at the top can end what he describes as “a reign of fear and intimidation.”

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Speaking during a live political talk show on a local radio station, Njiru said the opposition’s priority was not just to address individual abduction cases but to confront what he called the “root cause” of the crisis.

“We’re uniting to send William Ruto home — that’s the first agenda,” Njiru said, adding that the government must be held accountable for the growing list of enforced disappearances and attacks on civil liberties.

His remarks come amid heightened criticism from opposition figures and human rights groups over recent alleged abductions of political activists and bloggers.

Context in Brief

• Abduction concerns: Over the past year, several activists and opposition supporters have reported kidnappings by unidentified individuals, sparking accusations of state complicity.

• Opposition backlash: Coalition leaders have claimed the government is using security agencies to silence dissent, a charge authorities have repeatedly denied.

• Human rights calls: Organisations like Amnesty International have called for independent investigations into alleged enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

Law, Policy, and Process

• Constitutional guarantees: Article 29 of Kenya’s Constitution protects all citizens from arbitrary arrest, detention, and cruel treatment.

• Legal mandate: The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) are tasked with investigating alleged abuses by security forces.

• Policy gaps: Critics argue that lack of accountability in the security sector has allowed impunity to persist despite legal safeguards.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Government response: Senior officials have previously denied claims of state-sponsored abductions, blaming rogue elements or criminal gangs.

• Opposition leaders: Njiru joins a growing list of critics linking the abductions to the highest levels of government, calling for political action ahead of the 2027 elections.

• Human rights advocates: KNCHR has demanded parliamentary inquiries and stronger witness-protection frameworks for victims of abductions.

Evidence & Data

• Reported cases: Human rights groups cite over 35 alleged abductions since January 2024.

• Official investigations: Only a handful of cases have led to prosecutions, with most remaining unresolved.

• Parliamentary oversight: Two Senate motions on enforced disappearances have stalled since mid-2025.

Risks and Implications

• Political stability: Continued allegations could erode public trust in law enforcement and deepen political polarisation.

• Human rights record: Kenya risks losing international credibility if claims of enforced disappearances go unaddressed.

• Election climate: With the 2027 elections looming, opposition leaders may use the allegations to rally support and discredit the government.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether any independent investigation will publicly name officials involved.

• If Parliament will summon security chiefs over the rising allegations.

• How the government plans to restore public confidence in security agencies.

Timeline

• 2024–2025: Multiple activists report kidnappings and intimidation.

• August 2025: Human rights groups petition Parliament for an inquiry.

• September 25, 2025: Ndegwa Njiru calls for Ruto’s removal, linking it directly to ending abductions.

What to Watch

• Possible Senate hearings on enforced disappearances.

• Opposition protests planned for October 2025 demanding investigations.

• Any official response from State House or the Ministry of Interior.