Kenyan Minister Blames Intelligence Agency for Son's Abduction

Justin Muturi, a cabinet minister in Kenya, has claimed that the national intelligence agency was responsible for the abduction of his son, Leslie, detailing the government's ineffective response in a growing crisis of abductions affecting citizens.

 

In a shocking revelation, Kenyan Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has alleged that the country's National Intelligence Service (NIS) was behind the abduction of his son last year. This comes amid mounting criticism regarding the government's handling of the alarming rise in abductions across the nation. Muturi's son, Leslie, was reportedly taken on June 22 last year, an incident that has ignited calls for accountability.

Muturi stated that it required direct intervention from President William Ruto before his son was released by the NIS, making him the first cabinet member to voice concerns about the government's failure to address abduction cases, which have reportedly claimed at least 80 victims, including other civilians, in the last six months alone. These abductions have primarily surged since protests against recent tax hikes erupted in June.

Earlier this week, during a press briefing, Muturi emphasized that despite his efforts to contact top security officials regarding his son, he received little to no assistance. Subsequently, he was directed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to file a statement, where he recounted his desperate attempts to reach out to senior government officials, all of whom could not provide answers.

During his statement to the DCI, Muturi expressed his suspicion that the NIS was indeed holding his son. He communicated his plight directly to President Ruto, recounting the indifference he faced from the officials he had called. Muturi described how the president made light of the situation before ultimately contacting NIS Director Noordin Haji, who confirmed the agency's custody of his son and facilitated his release within the hour.

In reaction to Muturi's public claims, some government-affiliated politicians have demanded his resignation, indicating a potential backlash for speaking out. The rising trend of abductions in Kenya has raised alarm and includes foreign nationals, such as prominent Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai, who detailed her own kidnapping ordeal earlier this week.

The situation highlights concerns over human rights in Kenya, particularly in light of past incidents involving political figures, such as Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who was reportedly abducted and sent for trial by Ugandan authorities. The persistence of abductions poses critical questions about governance and security in the nation as it grapples with growing unrest and demands for accountability.