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{
    "id": 1498116,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1498116/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 276,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Kirinyaga County, UDA",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. Njeri Maina",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": " Thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker. I rise, pursuant to the provisions of Standing Order 43 (1), to issue a general statement regarding the rampant abductions and forced disappearance of Kenyan youth in the country. The Constitution of Kenya recognizes human rights as inherent and inviolable. However, in recent months, there has been a disturbing increase in abductions, unlawful arrests and disappearances, particularly targeted at the youth. According to the Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights, there have been over 60 reported cases of extra-judicial killings and over 71 cases of forced disappearances. Those include a tragic incident during the protests of 25th June 2024, which resulted in several deaths and the abduction of, at least, 72 individuals. Those incidents violate Article 26 (1) of the Constitution on the right to life. Government agencies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Inspector- General of Police are tasked with preventing such injustices. However, they have been alarmingly slow to respond. The arbitrary arrests have also attracted concerns from the international community. Despite cordial interventions addressing the issue of forced disappearances, the trend continues to threaten the stability of Kenya's democracy and the well-being of future generations. Urgent institutional reforms are necessary to ensure that the criminal justice system is responsive and adheres to the set constitutional parameters. As a signatory to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Forced Disappearance, I urge that Kenya ratifies that Convention in compliance with Article 2(6) of the Constitution to strengthen the national framework that is aimed at ending those inhumane practices. I thank you, Hon. Temporary Speaker."
}