- Former CJ David Maraga faulted President Ruto’s remarks on enforced disappearances.
- Maraga said the President’s statement ignored the pain of grieving families.
- He referenced missing persons like Brian Odhiambo and others lost during protests.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has come out strongly against President William Ruto’s recent comments on enforced disappearances, saying the President’s words dismissed the pain of victims’ families.
According to Maraga, claiming that all abducted Kenyans had been found without offering any apology was deeply insensitive, especially to parents still waiting for justice and closure.
Families Deserve More Than Just Claims
Maraga stressed that statements made without compassion only worsen the trauma of families who have lost or are still searching for their loved ones. He questioned how long innocent lives in Kenya would continue being handled without respect or accountability.
He singled out the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, who has been missing for four months, as one of many cases being ignored by the government.
Mother’s Day Petition Highlights Ongoing Pain
Referencing a Mother’s Day petition presented by parents of young men killed during the anti-Finance Bill protests in June 2024, Maraga said their cries remain unanswered.
He reminded leaders that behind every missing name is a family grieving and demanding justice.
Ruto Maintains All Victims Were Found
President Ruto had made the disputed remarks during a joint press briefing with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, where he defended his administration, stating that all victims of abduction had been safely returned home.
He also insisted that his government had taken strict steps to prevent any further such incidents.
Report Reveals Dozens Still Missing in 2024
Despite the President’s remarks, the latest Missing Voices report paints a worrying picture. The report recorded 55 enforced disappearances in 2024, with the highest spike of 15 cases in June during the Finance Bill protests.
October also saw 11 cases, while July and August each recorded seven incidents.
Accountability Remains a Challenge
The report further explained how most abductions are carried out by unidentified men in plain clothes using unmarked cars, making it hard to trace them.
This lack of transparency and difficulty in identifying suspects has stalled justice, leaving families in endless grief.
As the debate continues, Maraga’s call for an official apology has renewed pressure on the government to take responsibility and act firmly against forced disappearances.
