Human Rights Watch Africa has unveiled troubling revelations regarding a special government security agency allegedly involved in a recent surge of abductions in Kenya.
During the launch of its 35th Edition of the World Report, the organization pinpointed the Operations Support Unit (OSU) as a key player behind these incidents, drawing parallels to the now-defunct Special Squad Unit (SSU) that operated under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Otsieno Namwaya, the Director of Human Rights Watch Africa, addressed the delegation, asserting that the OSU operates out of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Nairobi. “President Ruto disbanded the Special Squad Unit, only to re-establish a similar unit within the DCI called the Operations Support Unit. This unit effectively replaced the SSU,” claimed Namwaya.
The human rights organization reported that, alarmingly, 83 Kenyans have been abducted recently, with 26 still unaccounted for. They voiced serious concerns regarding the erosion of the rule of law in Kenya. The group also criticized President William Ruto’s administration for allegedly abducting foreign nationals seeking refuge in the country.
Highlighting the case of Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi, the lobby group described the current situation as a disturbing trend of cross-border collaboration among government entities. “Maria Sarungi’s swift ability to report her abduction was crucial,” remarked Mausi Segun, an executive member of the group. “Those fleeing repression must have a safe haven.”
Additionally, the activists pointed to the abduction of Kizza Besyge, who was reportedly taken in Kenya on November 20 of last year and subsequently faced charges in a Ugandan military court. They also condemned the deportation of four Turkish nationals arrested in Kenya in November, who were forcibly returned to their home country.
These incidents, according to the activists, undermine Kenya’s reputation as a sanctuary for those in need of protection and safety. The mounting cases of abductions and government actions have raised significant concerns about the future of human rights in the nation.
