Nuria Gollo Director MWADO has condemned the recent increased abductions in the country. Photo: Foreign Policies.
After the declaration to stop abductions, kidnapping and forced disappearances, according to human rights defenders and opposition leaders, President William Ruto has failed to keep his promise to Kenyans.
While Kenya Kwanza continues to receive criticism on increased kidnapping cases, the latest to criticize is Marsabit County Human Rights Organization (MWADO) Nuria Gollo. According to Gollo, the kidnappings target businessmen, youths and it has taken shape into political leaders in the opposition.
Speaking to a local radio station in the county, Nuria said that Kenyans currently do not feel safe or free due to the increased cases of kidnapping being reported in the country.
“Are we really safe as a country? People are being kidnapped everyday in a very disturbing manner. We agree they haven’t started now, but they are being rampant. Here in Marsabit, two businessmen disappeared to date with no trace. Since the Gen Z protests, youths and businessmen were the target, but now they are targeting leaders. It is worrying and confusing, because the modes of kidnapping keep changing everyday!” Gollo.
Gollo has emphasized on the importance of following the due law procedures, in handling people and leaders with dissenting views on government and policies, and stop using excessive force to confront them.
In reference to the Monday, May 26 events, when abducted Juja MP George Koimburi was found badly beaten and dumped at a coffee plantation, Golllo said as a country, we are not yet independent, as opposers of government are still being oppressed and intimidated.
“The current situation in handling people with contrary views is against human rights! Following the kidnapping of the MP on Monday, clearly shows we are not yet independent as a country. We need to find alternatives including calling the persons involved to record statements and not abductions as it is scaring everyone in the country especially parents. There are many alternatives to solve cases,” she urged.
Gollo further explained the importance of citizens expressing themselves through the media, especially social media, adding that the media has been of great help in dealing with kidnapping cases.
“Even while calling out on government, lets be on watchout when are we safe and free, but this does not necessarily mean that we should not speak up, but let us be diligent in our expression. I really appreciate the days of social media as it has helped in averting incidents of kidnapping and vicing out those kidnapped like in the case of Boniface Mwangi in Tanzania. It a very powerful tool of information,” she urged.
Nuria Gollo is now calling on those involved to stop the kidnappings and find alternative ways, asking the government to protect citizens from the suffering they are experiencing. Similar calls echoed by the opposition on Tuesday, calling on Ruto to stop enforced government abductions and disappearances.
