US Ambassador Marc Dillard Condemns Kenyan Abductions

Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard voices the urgent need for increased accountability and adherence to the rule of law in Kenya.

His comments resonate with the rising chorus of calls from international entities, local human rights organizations, and political leaders advocating for an end to the enforced disappearances that have recently provoked widespread public outrage. The escalating demands for action have manifested in significant protests across Nairobi and other key cities, as residents insist on the unconditional release of seven individuals allegedly abducted since December 21.

Dillard, who stepped into his role at the Embassy following Meg Whitman's departure, echoes the legacy of the late former US President Jimmy Carter, renowned for his commitment to global human rights. On December 31, demonstrations erupted in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), with protestors brandishing placards denouncing the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“President Carter championed human rights worldwide. In the spirit of his legacy, we join the calls in Kenya for accountability and respect for the rule of law. Abductions must end,” Dillard declared.

In response, law enforcement authorities erected barricades on key routes leading into the CBD and initiated searches of Public Service Vehicles to prevent protestors from accessing the area. By midday, the police had restricted matatus from entering the CBD and closed off Kenyatta Avenue to public service vehicles.

The protests gained momentum following a wave of online activism on December 29, with participants demanding the release of individuals who had disappeared in December. Notable among the missing persons are Steve Mbisi from Machakos, Billy Mwangi from Embu, as well as several from Nairobi: Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Gideon “Kibet Bull” Kibet, alongside Rony Kiplang'at from Kiambu.

The unrest resulted in the arrest of 23 individuals, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who were later brought before the Milimani Law Courts on charges of incitement to violence and noncompliance with the law. However, the High Court denied a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to detain Omtatah and his co-defendants for 14 days.

Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi sanctioned their release on a cash bail of Sh1,000 or a bond of Sh50,000 backed by a surety of the same amount. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 82 individuals have reportedly been abducted since the protests in July and August, with 13 of these incidents occurring in the last three months.

In spite of these claims, Kenyan authorities have adamantly denied any involvement, asserting that the government does not engage in or condone such activities.