Murkomen: Abductions have dropped under Kenya Kwanza government

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's security and human rights record, claiming that it has made significant strides in combating kidnappings and abductions compared to previous governments. Speaking to the National Assembly, Murkomen stated that cases of kidnappings and abductions have seen a sharp decline since President William Ruto took office in 2022.

He emphasized that all reported incidents were thoroughly investigated, including cases that turned out to be instances of self-abduction.

Murkomen affirmed the government's commitment to ending enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, asserting that the security situation had improved compared to its predecessors. He referenced the campaign pledge to eliminate extrajudicial killings, noting that there have been no instances of bodies floating in rivers, as had occurred under the previous administration.

While acknowledging that security challenges persist, Murkomen cautioned against public discourse lacking factual grounding, urging Kenyans to consider the overall security landscape.

The government has established a dedicated Anti-Abduction Investigations Unit to bolster investigations and ensure that reported cases receive specialized attention. Murkomen defended the administration's security measures, stating they were aimed at creating a secure environment for Kenyans to engage in elections freely and safely without intimidation.

This includes ongoing crackdowns on criminal gangs and intensified operations against illicit alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse, which he viewed as major threats to public health and community safety.

Regarding security along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, Murkomen mentioned enhanced security deployments to safeguard the country's territorial integrity amid tensions in the Moyale area. He pledged diplomatic efforts with Ethiopia to prevent any spillover of conflict across the border.