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The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, has called on President William Ruto’s government to carry out immediate and transparent investigations into the recent abduction and subsequent release of five Kenyan citizens. 

This comes days after the individuals, who were reported missing in December 2024, were found alive in various locations.

Wigan welcomed the return of the victims but stressed the need for thorough investigations to uphold human rights and demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to justice. 

He added that addressing these abductions transparently would further enhance Kenya’s credibility as a leader on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

“We welcome the release of the five Kenyans on January 6. 

Swift and transparent investigations into the reported abductions will demonstrate Kenya’s commitment to fundamental rights,” Wigan remarked in a statement released on January 9, 2025.

The five individuals found include 24-year-old Billy Mwangi and 22-year-old Peter Muteti. 

Mwangi was reportedly abandoned in Nyeri County and later reunited with his family in Embu, while Muteti was discovered within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and handed over to his family by good samaritans. 

Other victims, Bernard Kavuli and Ronny Kiplagat, were found in Machakos and Kitale counties, respectively.

The mysterious disappearances had sparked public outcry, with human rights organizations demanding accountability. 

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a petition urging the High Court to summon senior officials to provide explanations. 

Among those summoned are Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin.

On January 8, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the two officials must appear in court on January 27, 2025, alongside the abductees. 

The court emphasized the need for full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding the abductions. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah were also mentioned in the petition.

This case has raised concerns over the state of security and human rights in Kenya, with civil society groups calling for reforms to prevent similar occurrences. 

The government’s response in handling the matter is seen as a test of its commitment to upholding justice and protecting its citizens.