Murkomen reveals lack of data as only 13 missing persons reported this year

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that only 13 cases of missing persons have been officially reported to police this year, highlighting a lack of comprehensive data on disappearances in the country.

Speaking in an interview on Citizen TV, Murkomen said, "From January to now, the reported cases of missing persons are 13. Some of these are linked to the period of budget-related demonstrations, while others have been reported from various parts of the country."

Murkomen’s statement comes as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continues its investigations into abductions and enforced disappearances.

IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan told Members of Parliament that while probes are ongoing, they face major challenges because victims are hesitant to come forward and provide evidence.

"The challenge has been that the victims are not coming to us to give evidence," Hassan said.

Hassan added that it remains unclear who is behind the abductions, saying, "As of who is abducting Kenyans, we are still investigating."

To address these difficulties, Hassan proposed a public inquiry to create a safe space for victims and witnesses to share their stories.

"The IG said the Police have not abducted anyone, but we may need to open a public inquiry into this matter," he explained.

President William Ruto recently stated that all missing persons have been found and returned home.

"All those who had disappeared or were abducted have been brought back to their homes. I have given clarity that nothing of that nature will happen again," Ruto said during a press briefing on Monday.

Meanwhile, IPOA has completed investigations into 22 deaths linked to the 2024 anti-government protests and has forwarded the cases to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further action.