Stage self-abductions at your own risk, CS now warns Kenyans

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised alarm over what he termed a growing trend of “self-abductions” among political leaders.

The CS warned that the practice is undermining efforts to address genuine cases of enforced disappearances that continue to be reported across the country.

Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Murkomen said authorities have so far identified at least three incidents where prominent individuals allegedly staged their own disappearances, only to later resurface unharmed.

He cautioned that such actions not only mislead the public but also erode trust in ongoing investigations into real abduction cases.

The CS’s remarks come even as he revealed that 206 Kenyans remain unaccounted for since 2022, in cases linked to suspected enforced disappearances and abductions.

The figures paint a grim picture of a persistent security challenge, even as the government steps up efforts to address the crisis.

“There are cases where it was established that the individuals had voluntarily gone into hiding and were not abducted,” Murkomen told senators.

According to the CS, the Coast region accounts for the highest number of missing persons at 60, followed by Eastern (35), Nairobi (31) and Rift Valley (19).

He added that 48 individuals reported missing during the same period were later found dead, while 146 were traced alive.

Murkomen said investigations into such cases often face setbacks, particularly when individuals who resurface decline to cooperate with authorities.

“In some instances, individuals who reappear after alleged abductions refuse to record statements, limiting the ability of investigators to conclusively determine what happened,” he said.

To strengthen the response to abductions, the government has rolled out several measures.

These include the establishment of a specialised anti-abduction unit within the DCI to handle such cases with greater expertise, and the introduction of enhanced reporting mechanisms such as a toll-free hotline — 0800 722 203 (Fichua Kwa DCI) — to encourage confidential public reporting.

Murkomen also cited efforts to bolster investigations and prosecutions, as well as the revitalisation of community policing initiatives aimed at improving collaboration between law enforcement and the public.

On a separate issue, the CS dismissed claims that the government is suppressing the issuance of national identity cards in certain regions, terming the allegations as propaganda.

He revealed that all pending ID cards have been printed except for 58,000, which are expected to be completed and distributed by Friday.

According to Murkomen, the current pace of processing reflects the highest level of efficiency in ID issuance since independence.

He added that the Mt Kenya region has the highest number of registration centres, particularly in counties such as Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Embu, alongside Nairobi and parts of Rift Valley and Nyanza.

“There is no reason why any Kenyan should lack an identity card, especially in regions with sufficient registration centres,” Murkomen said.

His remarks come amid political claims, including from the Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, alleging discrimination in the issuance of IDs — claims the government continues to strongly deny.