“If One of Us Isn’t Safe, None of Us Is” – Karua Condemns Mlolongo Abduction Horror

The chilling discovery of two missing Mlolongo abductees in a mortuary has sparked outrage, with NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua condemning the rising wave of enforced disappearances. Calling for urgent action, she warned that Kenya is fast becoming an “abduction paradise.”

In a statement dated January 31, 2025, Karua expressed heartbreak over the fate of Justus Musyimi and Martin Mwau, who were abducted in mid-December alongside two others, Steve Kavingo Mbisi and Kalani Muema, whose whereabouts remain unknown.

“It is more than painful for the families of Justus Musyimi and Martin Mwau to have their loved ones turn up dead in the mortuary after a long, torturous wait, hoping to see them alive,” Karua said.

She took a hard stance against the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohammed Amin, for their claims of ignorance regarding the abductions.

“The IG and DCI swear they know nothing. These statements are not just distressing but also disrespectful to Kenyans who heavily fund these institutions to secure the country. Their silence is unacceptable,” she added.

Karua underscored the alarming rise in abductions, citing multiple cases, including the disappearance of Wajir MCA Yusuf Hussein, the abduction and deportation of 36 Ugandans in Kisumu, and the brief disappearance of Leslie Muturi, son of Public Service CS Justin Muturi, whose release was allegedly secured through high-level government intervention.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), over 82 people have gone missing since the youth-led protests in June 2024. Karua warned that the increasing cases suggest that abductions are becoming normalized.

“Since last year, abductions have turned into an epidemic, with Kenya now being an ‘abduction paradise,’” she said.

She placed direct responsibility on the government, particularly the National Security Council under President William Ruto, arguing that security agencies cannot claim ignorance when they coordinate intelligence and operations.

“The ‘abduct and execute’ trend has persisted for almost a year, yet no leadership shake-up has taken place. This means Dr. Ruto and his regime are satisfied with the status quo,” she remarked.

Karua further accused state security agencies of either participating in the abductions or covering up for those responsible, referencing cases where the government admitted involvement.

“The abductions of Turkish nationals, the 36 Ugandans in Kisumu, and Dr. Kizza Besigye share striking similarities with other disappearances. The evidence overwhelmingly suggests that security agencies are either complicit or shielding those responsible,” she asserted.

Calling for immediate action, Karua urged Kenyans, civil society, religious leaders, and professional bodies to unite against enforced disappearances.

“We must refuse to normalize abductions and extrajudicial killings, especially targeting our youth. If one of us isn’t safe, then none of us is. The time to act is now,” she declared.

She applauded the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for their relentless efforts in challenging the abduction crisis and called for a national civil society conference to strategize the way forward.

“We must come together and liberate ourselves from this vicious assault on our right to life and liberty,” she concluded.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.