“Abductions Must End”, Acting US Ambassador Tells Government

The US Embassy in Kenya has joined other human rights organizations in demanding for the release of abducted youth. This comes as families of the missing loved ones are calling upon authorities to set their sons free. 

All the abducted youths have consistently been criticizing the Kenya Kwanza regime on corruption and violation of constitutional rights. 

The acting US Ambassador Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard urged the Kenyan government to respect the rule of law and end abductions. While acknowledging the role played by the recently deceased former US president Jimmy Carter in championing human rights, Dillard called for accountability from the Kenya Kwanza government.

“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,” he said.

Dillard took charge of the US Embassy in Kenya after the exit of Meg Whitman who resigned after Donald Trump won the US elections.

ALSO READ: How Social Media is Redefining Kenya’s Political Landscape

His demands for the release of abductees comes amid uproar from Kenyans who demand unconditional release. On 30 December last year youth took to the streets of Nairobi and other towns in Kenya demanding immediate release of abducted youth. 

During the demonstrations 23 people were arrested including Busia senator Okiya Omtatah who has been very vocal about the abduction of Kenyans. 

Omtatah and his 22 co-accused were charged with incitement to violence and causing disturbance.They were arraigned on Tuesday 31 December. The court however, released them on Sh1,000 cash bail.

The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) had requested the court to allow police to hold the 23 protestors in custody for 14 days but Milimani Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi declined.