The DCP blogger who has been allegedly abducted./HANDOUT
Kirinyaga leaders have raised alarm over the reported disappearance of DCP party blogger Justin Kinyua, claiming he was taken by hooded men in what they described as an act of political intimidation.
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango and Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, in separate statements on Tuesday, alleged that Kinyua had been taken by unidentified hooded men and driven to an unknown destination.
The claims had not been independently verified, and police had not issued a statement by the time of publication.
The two leaders condemned what they described as growing intimidation of young people over their political views, warning against the alleged misuse of state institutions to suppress dissent.
"The era of political intimidation is here with us, but we shall not relent," MP Maina said.
"We shall stand by the Constitution and the young people of this great nation, whose right to free speech and political affiliation is protected by the Constitution."
Maina said she, Murango and Gichugu MP David Mathenge were following up on the matter and vowed to pursue the case until Kinyua's whereabouts are established.
Murango echoed the call, urging authorities to ensure Kinyua's safety and respect constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and political association.
Senator Murango urged authorities to establish Kinyua's whereabouts and called for his immediate release if he was in custody.
"Political differences should be settled through democratic engagement, not abductions, intimidation and abuse of power. This continued intimidation is only deepening public distrust and will inevitably be met with serious resentment. We are following up on the matter, and we shall not relent until we find Justin," he said.
There was no immediate response from the National Police Service regarding the allegations by the time of publication, and it remained unclear who was responsible for the reported incident or the circumstances surrounding Kinyua's disappearance.
The reported incident comes amid heightened political activity and renewed debate over the safety of political activists, bloggers and online commentators.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly called for prompt investigations into reports of enforced disappearances and abductions in recent years, while state agencies have consistently maintained that they operate within the law.
