Kenyans Abducted Amid Rising Forced Disappearances: A Disturbing Trend
Kenyans Aslam and Jamil Longton were abducted in August 2024, part of a troubling trend amid 82 reported disappearances since protests in June. Rights organizations confirm their mistreatment during captivity. Aslam believes his activism led to his abduction, reflecting concerns about police brutality against dissenters. Despite government pledges for accountability, victims report ongoing intimidation.
In June 2024, following widespread protests in Kenya, a disturbing trend of forced disappearances emerged, with the Kenyan National Human Rights Commission documenting 82 cases. Despite some individuals reuniting with their families, 29 remain missing, amid accusations aimed at law enforcement regarding the abductions, the truth behind these incidents has yet to be conclusively established.
Aslam Longton and his brother Jamil experienced abduction near their home in Kitengela Town, a suburb of Nairobi. On the day of their kidnapping in August, Aslam sensed he was being watched by unknown individuals. This unsettling awareness escalated during a car ride when they encountered intimidating vehicles blocking their path.
A group of armed men, resembling police officers, instructed Aslam to turn off the car. Aslam recalled, “They opened the car, removed me at the steering [wheel], took me very fast in the Subaru.” When Jamil attempted to speak up, demanding clarification on this aggressive encounter, he faced hostility and had his phone confiscated.
The brothers reported being handcuffed and blindfolded before being detained for 32 days. They were mistreated, deprived of food, and subjected to degrading conditions, as confirmed by Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Ernest Cornel from KNHRC noted that victims were denied basic rights and subjected to inhumane treatment.
Aslam’s abduction is linked to his participation in the youth-led GenZ protests opposing a controversial bill aimed at increasing taxes. While Aslam engaged in activism, Jamil, who did not participate, was also implicated during their detention, where both brothers were questioned regarding the protests’ funding.
Accusations against the Kenyan police revolve around their heavy-handed approach during protests, including abduction of dissenters. Police authorities, however, assert that criminal elements infiltrated the protests. The protests resulted in approximately 60 fatalities and numerous arrests. Since June, 29 individuals remain unaccounted for out of the 82 reported missing.
President William Ruto condemned the recent surge in disappearances amidst ongoing protests in Nairobi, promising that any criminal activity, whether by civilians or police, would be thoroughly investigated. He expressed a commitment to addressing the issue of enforced disappearances in Kenya.
At a KNHRC press conference, Aslam and Jamil described persistent intimidation post-release, including being followed and monitored. Cornel reported that victims fear for their safety, claiming they often notice suspicious vehicles parked near their homes, reinforcing the chilling atmosphere of anxiety and insecurity following their abduction.
Attempts to contact the National Police Service for comments remained unanswered, highlighting the struggle for accountability amidst these serious allegations.
In summary, the alarming rise in forced disappearances in Kenya, particularly following the protests, raises significant human rights concerns. The experiences of Aslam and Jamil reflect a broader pattern of intimidation and unlawful detainment. Rights groups are advocating for thorough investigations as the number of unresolved disappearances continues to grow, highlighting a crisis in upholding civil liberties and accountability within law enforcement. Amidst government assurances of investigations, victims report ongoing threats, emphasizing the need for international scrutiny and reform in Kenya’s approach to civil liberties and policing practices.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
