Amason Kingi Refused to Approve the Request for a Special Session to Discuss Kidnapping

• Senate Speaker Amason Kingi rejected Nyandarua senator John Methu's request for a special Senate hearing on the abduction, citing a violation of procedures
• Methu raised concerns about increasing kidnappings of government critics, accusing the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation of denials.
• The senator described the increase in kidnappings as a serious violation of constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, association and the right to life.
• Kingi's decision was based on Senate Standing Rule 33(1), which requires the support of the Senate Majority or Minority Leader and at least 15 senators to convene a special session

Nairobi – Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has rejected the request of Nyandarua senator John Methu to call for a special session of the Senate to discuss the outbreak of kidnapping.

In a letter written on Tuesday, January 7, the Speaker of the Senate mentioned that he did not follow the procedures for his decision.

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Methu, an associate of the former deputy president Rigathi Gachaguahad written to Kingi on Friday, December 27, 2024, asking the Senate to meet during its recess to deal with what he described as an important national issue.

However, Kingi rejected the request explaining that it does not meet the requirements specified in Senate Standing Order 33(1).

He explained that Methu's request did not come from the appointed leaders, nor was it supported by the required number of senators.

“I realize that the request is based on Standing Rule 33(1) of the Standing Rules of the Senate which states that – 'Whenever the Senate is adjourned, whether a day has been appointed or not for the next meeting, the Speaker may. , at the request of the Senate Majority Leader or the Senate Minority Leader, and on each motion with the support of fifteen Senators, appoint a day for a special session of the Senate',” Kingi said.

How worried is Methu about being captured?

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In his letter, Methu raised fears about the increasing cases of abductions and disappearances of government critics, citing the situation as a violation of constitutional rights.

He criticized the National Police Service (NPS) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for denying involvement in these cases.

The MP suggested the existence of a criminal group operating outside of government control.

“This issue has raised serious national concerns as it violates basic human rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution, including freedom of expression, association, and the right to life and security,” Methu said.

Public outcry over kidnapping

As previously reported, the abduction crisis has sparked outrage, with human rights organizations claiming that at least 82 people have been abducted since June 2024.

In recent weeks, five victims, including social media critic Billy Mwangi and cartoonist Gideon Kibet, were released by their alleged kidnappers.

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Mwangi, who had been missing for 15 days, recounted being released after weeks of detention.

The NPS has denied any involvement in the kidnappings, but activists argue that the incidents violate constitutional and international human rights laws, undermining public confidence in the security agencies.

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