Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has issued a bold ultimatum to the government, demanding an independent investigation into the alarming rise in abductions and extrajudicial killings across the country. Addressing the press in Nairobi, Kalonzo decried what he termed as a “silent reign of terror” and warned that if the government fails to act, the opposition will launch its own parallel inquiry.
“This country cannot afford to slide back into the dark days of enforced disappearances and summary executions. We demand a transparent commission to uncover the truth, and if the government drags its feet, we will be forced to conduct our own investigations,” Kalonzo declared.
A Surge in Unexplained Killings
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the resurgence of extrajudicial executions, with human rights groups raising alarms over bodies being dumped in rivers, forests, and abandoned fields. Families of missing persons have been left in anguish, with many accusing security agencies of complicity.
In recent weeks, several high-profile cases have gripped the nation, including the disappearance of activists, businesspeople, and suspected government critics under mysterious circumstances. Civil society organizations, including Amnesty International Kenya, have linked some of these cases to rogue security officers, citing a pattern of unlawful detentions and enforced disappearances.
Mounting Pressure on Ruto’s Administration
Kalonzo’s statement piles pressure on President William Ruto’s administration, which has been battling accusations of failing to uphold human rights. Just last month, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki promised stern action against rogue officers, yet cases of disappearances have continued unabated.
The opposition leader accused the government of shielding perpetrators and failing to provide accountability. “We cannot pretend that all is well when Kenyans are living in fear. Who is behind these abductions? Who is ordering these killings? The people demand answers, and they deserve the truth,” Kalonzo asserted.
A Parallel Investigation?
In a move likely to shake the political landscape, Kalonzo hinted that the opposition could set up a special task force comprising legal experts, activists, and former law enforcement officers to probe the killings. Such an initiative, if realized, would set the stage for a political showdown with the government, potentially implicating top security officials.
“We will not sit back and watch as our people are butchered in cold blood. If the government is unwilling to act, we will,” he warned.
The government is yet to issue an official response to Kalonzo’s demands, but insiders suggest State House is wary of the growing political pressure. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have backed Kalonzo’s call, urging the state to demonstrate its commitment to justice and the rule of law.
As the push for accountability intensifies, the big question remains—will President Ruto’s administration heed the calls for an independent probe, or will Kenya witness a historic opposition-led investigation into the shadowy world of enforced disappearances?
