President William Ruto has weighed in on the wave of abductions that has caused concerns that the country is slipping back to the dark days.
Speaking at an event in which former Prime Minister Raila Odinga challenged him to act amid public uproar, the President noted that he will end the abductions.
The President who graced the Odi Genowa Governor's Cup 2024 at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homabay remained reserved without referring to a specific case of abduction and urged parents take the lead in mentoring and protecting their children to uphold peace in the nation.
We all want to walk together. I want to urge all parents that our children are a blessing from God, and you should take care of them and the government will do our part.
These children are a blessing, I want to urge parents to protect their children.
President Ruto promises to bring abductions to an end
He emphasised that his government will end the abductions and restore public trust in security agencies that have frequently been linked to such incidences.
READ: DCI addresses Senator Omtatah's claims on alleged abduction
As a government, we will do our part and the issue of abductions will end in the country so the youth can live in harmony and the youth can become people of integrity and respect to move the country forward.
Raile's request to Ruto on abductions
His remarks came after Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga asked him to act decisively amid piling pressure.
Odinga noted that he raised the concerns, calling for those behind the abductions to be arrested and jailed after prosecution.
We want all our youth to be safe. I have told my friend William Ruto that the issue of youth being abducted, detained, and tortured needs to end and anyone involved jailed.
Several Kenyans have in the past been abducted and traced to police stations.
Rise in abductions
Among the most recent cases is the disappearance of Steve Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Naomi (found), cartoonist Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull and his brother Rony Kiplagat.
Police have denied any involvement in their abduction that are linked to statements they have made against the government on social media.