On Tuesday, December 31, local newspapers widely reported the protests witnessed in various parts of the country following the recent cases of alleged kidnapping of critics of the President William Ruto and people suspected of being police officers.
Source: UGC
1. Daily Nation
The newspaper reported that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party had issued a strong warning and threatened to lead the opposition of the people against the Ruto administration regarding what it says is the emergence of dictatorial and tyrannical politics.
In an interview, ODM interim leader Prof Anyang' Nyong'o confronted the increasing cases of kidnappings across the country, saying the party will oppose the government's attempts to oppress Kenyans.
“We are ready to lead the popular resistance against dictatorial and repressive politics that try to impose an oppressive and undemocratic regime on the people through things like kidnapping and precambrian political intimidation.
We therefore strongly warn the government to stop this cowardly kidnapping of those who criticize undemocratic policies,” Prof Nyong'o said.
Leader of the opposition Raila Odingawho handed over the mantle of ODM leadership to Nyong'o in October to highlight his bid to become the chairman of the African Union Commission, had earlier warned that Kenyans would not tolerate a rogue state.
2. The Standards
According to the newspaper, Ruto was urged to stop the kidnapping of young Kenyans who criticize his government and close the loopholes of corruption.
At the same time, Ruto has been asked to listen to Kenyans.
These were the words of Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Provost Evans Omollo and Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya at Holy Family Basilica.
Omollo called on the Minister of Interior, the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Criminal Investigation, and other security agencies to stop the kidnappings and follow the law.
“The Constitution of Kenya provides for freedom of expression, it provides for judicial procedure if anyone has committed a crime whether in the digital space or otherwise please stop kidnapping people. They caught him in broad daylight. If it is Omollo like me, come handcuff me in front of my wife, let her know that I am being taken to station X,” he said during the Sunday service at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi.
At the same time, he urged young people to use their freedom of expression on social networks with restraint, saying that every freedom must come with responsibility.
He asked them to be civil even in their participation and avoid trampling on national leaders by using inappropriate language or images.
Archbishop Megen said his hope is that “we continue to strengthen our democracy, that we value and respect more the civil rights of every citizen of this country.”
3. Nation Today
According to a Kiswahili daily newspaper, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is expected to undergo reforms aimed at increasing transparency, including the prompt provision of information, such as the technology used during elections.
This comes as part of proposed legislative reforms designed to address its perceived secrecy.
Previously, IEBC it faced criticism for not providing relevant information, especially before and after the election.
Even court orders have not ensured access to critical information, such as its servers, voter audits and the voter register.
However, the Electoral Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024, spearheaded by Senate Minority Leader Stewarts Madzayo (Kilifi), is now before Parliament.
The bill aims to reduce disputes and dissatisfaction, aiming to improve the efficiency and credibility of the commission.
4. The People
The paper's reports now focus on the National Intelligence Service (NIS) after the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Criminal Investigations admitted that civilians were being kidnapped but denied that the police were involved.
IG Douglas Kanja, for the umpteenth time, denied involvement with the police, while DCI Mohammed Amin, whose officers are responsible for investigating the cases, has maintained that not all officers in civilian clothes and unmarked vehicles are agents of the Directorate of Criminal Investigation.
Coincidentally, almost all of the kidnapped people are social media users who are critical of Ruto and his administration.
Kanja, Amin, President Ruto, and Home Affairs Minister Kipchumba Murkomen have inadvertently admitted that there are cases of kidnappings but maintain that they do not know who is behind them.
With the president, Kanja, Amin, and the recently appointed Murkomen admitting that kidnappings are taking place but absolving themselves of blame, fingers are now being pointed at the intelligence department which has been working discreetly.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
