Kenyan Minister Blames Intelligence Agency for Son's Abduction

Justin Muturi accuses the Kenyan national intelligence agency of abducting his son, revealing his desperate attempts for assistance from government officials. His claims shed light on the government's handling of rising abductions in the country, prompting calls for accountability and resignation from his post.

A Kenyan government minister has publicly accused the country's national intelligence agency (NIS) of orchestrating the abduction of his son last year, amid growing criticism of the escalating number of abductions in Kenya. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi stated that it took a direct call from President William Ruto to secure the release of his son, Leslie, from NIS custody.

Muturi is notably the first cabinet member to speak out against the government's approach to the alarming rise in abduction cases, which reportedly saw at least 80 individuals, including his son, vanish over the past six months. This wave of abductions allegedly began following protests against tax increases last June.

In a detailed account presented to the police’s crime investigations unit on Tuesday, Muturi described the harrowing events of June 22 when his son was taken. He noted that both President Ruto and the intelligence agency have yet to respond to his allegations.

Despite reaching out to various high-ranking security officials for help, including the inspector-general of police and the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Muturi expressed his frustration about the lack of progress. The DCI later encouraged him to file a formal statement, asserting the matter was still under investigation.

In his statement to the DCI, Muturi recounted a desperate plea for information about his son's whereabouts. He ultimately decided to visit President Ruto's residence to highlight the seriousness of the situation. Upon discussing the ordeal with Ruto, he claimed the president made a light-hearted joke about the matter before contacting the head of the intelligence agency, who confirmed that they had Leslie and pledged to release him shortly.

Since his revelation, Muturi has faced mounting pressure from politicians aligned with the government demanding his resignation for speaking out against the administration he works for. The issue of abductions extends beyond local figures, as foreign nationals—including a prominent Tanzanian activist—have also reported similar terrifying experiences, intensifying fears surrounding human rights violations in Kenya.

The rising network of abductions not only casts a shadow over public safety but also questions the commitment of Kenyan authorities to uphold the rule of law amidst growing dissent.