This archive report was first published on 7 January 2022.
As the country heads into general elections, human rights activists are calling on the government to take a firm stance against the rising cases of abductions and torture.
According to Salma Hemed, the deputy executive director of Haki Africa, the government has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
"The police should be at the forefront in addressing this issue. The family of the victim had to visit various police stations to report the disappearance of their loved one, only to find the body in a morgue in Thika," Hemed said.
John Maina, a resident of Naivasha, went missing on November 31, 2021, along with his friend. His family reported the incident to the police, but their efforts were in vain until December 26, 2021, when his body was found in a morgue in Thika.
According to the police report, Maina and his friend were abducted and tortured before their bodies were dumped in the Tana River in Machakos County. However, their vehicle was found abandoned in Gilgil, with signs of being pushed off the road.
Samuel Kariuki, the father of the victim, has called on the government to intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice.
"We are shocked to see our son abducted and killed in such a brutal manner. We urge the government to take immediate action to ensure that justice is served," Kariuki said.
