Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has called for the immediate resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja following a resurgence of abductions in the country.
In a statement issued on his X account on Thursday, December 26, 2024, the lawmaker expressed outrage at Kanja’s denial of police involvement in the disappearances of three individuals; Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli—who were abducted after sharing AI-generated images that criticized President William Ruto.
“I demand his immediate resignation to pave the way for credible investigations and the restoration of public trust in the National Police Service,” Babu declared.
“The statement issued today by the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, is a blatant insult to the intelligence and dignity of Kenyans. It is a callous attempt to downplay the gravity of a matter that has left families broken, communities in fear, and the entire nation in outrage,” Owino said.
The MP further expressed frustration with Kanja’s failure to address the ongoing crisis seriously, calling the IG’s denial “hollow” and “deceitful.” Owino emphasized that the accounts of victims and their families paint a grim and undeniable reality that the police cannot simply ignore.
“The IG’s attempt to absolve the police of responsibility without substantive evidence or transparency demonstrates contempt for the very people he swore to protect,” he stated.
Owino also criticized Kanja for his perceived audacity in lecturing the public about responsibility while the police continue to be implicated in grave human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, police brutality, and extrajudicial killings. The MP lamented that Kenyans are living in constant fear, searching for their loved ones, while the IG’s words offer no comfort or solutions.
“How dare he shift the burden to the public when Kenyans have witnessed police brutality, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings? When mothers, fathers, and children are searching for their loved ones, the IG’s hollow appeals for restraint ring with cruel irony,” Owino added.
Owino also called attention to the broader pattern of lawlessness within the National Police Service. He pointed to past incidents of human rights violations and criticized the police leadership for failing to take responsibility. According to the MP, the police force’s lack of accountability has only fueled the public’s distrust.
“This is not the first time the National Police Service has been implicated in gross human rights violations. The chilling pattern of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and abuse of power cannot be swept under the rug with cleverly worded press releases. We demand action, not rhetoric,” he asserted.
In his call for accountability, Owino pointed out that the IG has failed in his constitutional duty to uphold law and order with integrity. He accused Kanja of fostering an environment of impunity and neglecting the sanctity of human life.
“I categorically state that the Inspector General has failed in his constitutional duty to uphold law and order with integrity. His tenure has been characterized by impunity and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of human life,” Owino remarked.
Owino accused the government of remaining silent on the matter. He reminded the government that the rule of law is not optional but a constitutional obligation. He warned that if Kanja does not step down, he would explore all lawful mechanisms to ensure accountability, including parliamentary censure motions.
“The silence from the government is deafening. Upholding the rule of law is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation. If the IG does not resign, I will mobilize every lawful mechanism available to hold him and the National Police Service accountable, including parliamentary censure motions,” Owino stated.
Owino also offered solidarity and support, promising that their cries for justice would not go unheard. He vowed to continue pushing for answers until every missing person is found and those responsible for the abductions are held accountable.
“To the families searching for justice, know that you are not alone. Your cries will not go unheard. We will continue to demand answers until every missing Kenyan is accounted for, and those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice,” Owino said.
The legislator noted that Kenya cannot build a democratic society when those who are entrusted with protecting citizens turn against them. He demanded that the Inspector General step down immediately.
“We cannot build a democratic Kenya when those entrusted to protect us turn against us. The Inspector General must go, and he must go now,” Babu Owino declared.
PRESS STATEMENT
BY HON. DR. BABU OWINO, MP
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE MUST RESIGN AND RUTO MUST GO
December 26, 2024
Fellow Kenyans,
The statement issued today by the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, is a blatant insult to the intelligence and dignity of…
