NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 24- A section of Deputy President William Ruto’s led United Democratic Alliance (UDA) are now calling for a commission of inquiry, to probe the possible existence of a killer squad, following a series of abductions and subsequent killings.
This is after the Wednesday’s shocking incident when Ruto’s digital strategist Dennis Itumbi was abducted by four men while leaving a barbershop in Thindigua, tortured for 6 hours and later dropped in Lucky Summer area in Kasarani.
Both of his legs were fractured as well as his left hand.
“It is important to note that abductions, arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of state-sponsored terror and harassment have made their big come-back,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
They said Itumbi’s case was amidst tens of similar incidents of abductions and killings, all of them linked to the state agents. Police have since denied having a role in Itumbi’s attack.
“We condemn this policy of backsliding into retrogressive, savage and intolerable political and administrative measures,” the leaders said in a statement on Friday.
“We are not going back there. We ask the President to call his security apparatus to order and desist from the temptation to indulge in bloodthirsty and repressive violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
The legislators included Kipchumba Murkomen, Susan Kihika, Aaron Cheruiyot, Ben Washiali, Ndindi Nyoro, Kimani Ichungwa, Gladys Shollei and Rigathi Gachagua.
According to Senator Murkomen, the leaders will be writing to the special rapporteur on human rights over the incident.
“What is unjust here is unjust all over the world,” the Senator said.
According to the Kikuyu legislator, who had visited the recuperating digital strategist in the hospital, Itumbi “has vowed to remain unbowed.”
“It is important to note that abductions, arbitrary detention, torture and other forms of state-sponsored terror and harassment have made their big come-back.We condemn this policy of backsliding into retrogressive, savage and intolerable political and administrative measures.”
The MP’s said, “Itumbi was severely injured and in great pain, having been tortured at length as his abductors drove him around the city. He was eventually thrown out of the car into a thicket and left for dead.”
“He managed to crawl to the nearest road, where he sought help from bodaboda riders and this is where Mr. Makoha recognised him and offered to help.”
Police headquarters say investigations are ongoing, to establish who was behind the incident.
“We appeal to members of the public to be patient during the investigations and should therefore desist from speculation,” National Police Service spokesperson Bruno Shioso said.
“We further appeal to members of the public who may have information regarding the incident to volunteer and report to any police station or through our hotline number 999,112 or 0800 722203.”
Itumbi is said to have suffered extensive torture, including repeatedly battery of his limbs with a hammer, and sustained soft tissue injuries as well as fractures.
Lobby groups led by the Amnesty International-Kenya and Kenya Human Rights Commission have condemned the incident and called for investigations.
KHRC called for an end to “these disgraceful and unaccountable systems that have subjected too many citizens to torture.”
Activist Boniface Mwangi also condemned the attack.
Ten of other Kenyans have expressed their anger and now want those involved arrested and brought to book.
The MPs noted that “We note that following Itumbi’s abduction, a campaign of misinformation intensified by individuals and bloggers who do bidding for the Police and Office of the President which made it extremely difficult to find Itumbi, affording the criminals ample time to perform their heinous act.”
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