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Bodies of Missing Youth Discovered at City Mortuary
Kenyan Minister for Public Service, Justin Muturi, has sharply criticized President William Ruto’s administration over a wave of abductions and extrajudicial killings targeting government critics and political dissidents.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called for urgent discussions regarding ongoing abductions in Kenya, expressing sympathy for the parents of both past and present abductees.
Speaking at the Nairobi Funeral Home on Friday, Muturi, who was alongside the relatives… pic.twitter.com/6neO27ynC3
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 31, 2025
Speaking during a visit to Nairobi’s City Mortuary, Muturi condemned state-linked disappearances after the discovery of two young men’s bodies, who had gone missing in December 2024 along with four others.
The body of Martin Mwau, the second of three men who disappeared in Mlolongo last December found at City Mortuary.
This follows the earlier identification of Justus Mutumwa’s body at the same facility.
The whereabouts of Kalani Muema remain unknown. pic.twitter.com/14UC7kPM7B
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) January 30, 2025
Muturi stated, “We have seen so many young people held, kidnapped, extrajudicial killings. We can’t say we don’t know about what is going on.” (The Times)
Mr. President, I’m calling upon you to take decisive action to end these abductions and extrajudicial killings, as you promised. We must also investigate how and why this is happening. We cannot allow this to become the norm, young lives are being taken, and it must stop. pic.twitter.com/UGtP40zI4q
— Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH (@HonJBMuturi) January 31, 2025
Kenyan Minister Muturi’s Personal Experience with State Abductions
In what was a shocking revelation, Muturi had recently disclosed that his own son, Leslie Muturi, was abducted by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) during last year’s anti-government protests. According to Muturi, Leslie was only released after President Ruto’s direct intervention.
Muturi explained that upon reporting his son’s disappearance, Ruto contacted NIS Director-General Noordin Haji, who confirmed that Leslie was in their custody. The President then ordered his immediate release. Leslie was released within an hour.
This admission has heightened concerns over the government’s involvement in forced disappearances, with many questioning how many more victims remain missing. (Reuters)
Related: Kenyan Government Accused of Abductions, Torture, and Extrajudicial Killings of Political Dissidents
Crackdown on Gen-Z Political Activists
The abductions have particularly targeted #GenZ activists who have been vocal in opposing Ruto’s administration on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many young Kenyans have been kidnapped for their role in last year’s anti-tax protests, which were met with a heavy-handed response from security forces.
According to Human Rights Watch, Kenyan security services have engaged in systematic abductions, torture, and extrajudicial killings of protesters and activists. (Wikipedia)
Related: Mashujaa Day 2024: Remembering the 61 Fallen Gen Z Heroes Killed During the June Protests
Political Backlash and Calls for Accountability
Muturi’s statements have sparked fierce backlash from Ruto’s allies, with some calling for his impeachment. However, he remains steadfast, emphasizing that state violence is damaging Kenya’s international reputation and discouraging foreign investment.
This is an urgent message to KANU orphans, deadbeat politicians and bureaucrats.
We are giving you an AMNESTY offer. If you help us remove William Ruto from power without pursuing political office or state jobs afterwards, we shall not revisit your past cases of corruption and… pic.twitter.com/WvuBM96tyk
— Francis Gaitho (@FGaitho237) January 30, 2025
With growing national and international condemnation, pressure is mounting on the Kenyan government to halt state-sponsored violence and ensure the protection of free speech and civil rights.
This article has been written with the help of A.I. for topic research and formulation.
