Kamket: Expect reprisals when you criticise government

By Georgina Mwikali

Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket has revealed that Kenya’s government could have a hand on the ongoing wave of abductions.

Speaking at a gathering in Baringo County on Friday, February 7, 2025 Kamket alleged that the abductions are directly linked to criticisms of President William Ruto’s administration.

According to Kamket, a close Ruto ally, the abductions are “repercussions and reprisals” against those calling for the ouster of the government.

Kamket’s remarks, which seem to confirm widespread suspicions about the government’s role in the disappearances, came after he spoke of the increasing wave of abductions in Kenya.

He stressed that those using “unconstitutional means” to oppose the government should expect such outcomes.

“When you say that ‘Ruto Must Go’ and you want to use unconstitutional means, what do you expect from the state?” Kamket questioned. “You expect what we call reprisals; you expect repercussions.”

The MP went further, suggesting that critics of the government, particularly those leading the “Ruto Must Go” movement, deserve the arrests and abductions.

“So, the little noises you hear about some people being arrested and abducted—those are repercussions of trying to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means,” Kamket stated, adding fuel to the fire of an already tense situation.

Kenya has seen a disturbing rise in the number of abductions in recent months, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reporting 82 cases since June 2024.

The latest figures show a spike in abductions in December 2024, with six individuals still missing. The growing number of disappearances has ignited a national outcry, with critics fearing the country is slipping back into the dark days of political repression.

Despite the mounting evidence, Kenya’s security agencies continue to deny involvement in the abductions.

Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja has repeatedly dismissed claims that law enforcement officers are behind the disappearances.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi however, recently accused the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of being involved, revealing a personal connection to the issue after his own son was allegedly abducted and released within an hour following a call to President Ruto.

In response to the increasing cases, President William Ruto promised to take action, assuring Kenyans that his administration would work to end abductions.

“What has been said about abductions, we will stop them so Kenyan youth can live in peace,” Ruto declared. However, he emphasied that discipline and politeness were key in building a better Kenya together.