Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration to ensure that enforced disappearances and abductions of Kenyans end this year.
Speaking at St Peter's Parish Nyamira ACK Church in Bondo sub-County on Christmas day, Mr Odinga noted that cases of abductions of Kenyans have painted the country in a bad light.
He urged the government to put in place all necessary measures to ensure that such things do not recur.
"The issue of abductions of innocent Kenyans must end this year. It is something that is very primitive and very strange in our country," said Mr Odinga at Nyamira Church.
The former prime minister went on to say: 'We cannot live in a country where people disappear or are abducted for no reason and held incommunicado for long periods of time. The government must take this matter seriously as we move into 2025".
Mr Odinga highlighted the plight of families crying in pain after losing their loved ones to violent abductions by unknown people.
"Families have been left in pain. Many parents have been crying after their children were abducted by unknown people and they have not heard from them for so long. This is very strange and I call on the government to take action," Mr Odinga said.
"Unlike the previous abductions in the country where people were taken to Nyayo torture chambers which was a government institution, today we have people being abducted and taken to places we have never heard of," he added.
The former Prime Minister also noted that the nation has faced a myriad of challenges that have seen Kenya make headlines on the global stage over the course of 2024.
"This year, Kenyans have faced many economic challenges. We have seen a rapid rise in the cost of living. We have seen demonstrations organised by the youth of this country. We have seen the loss of lives on the streets," he noted.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga called on the nation to unite around a common goal, saying that only when people are united can great strides be made.
"I have heard many people complaining after the former President (Uhuru Kenyatta) was brought into the picture with some of his close allies being appointed to the Cabinet, sometimes we need to work together for a common goal which is to improve the lives of Kenyans," said Dr Oginga.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said: "We are happy because of the decision taken by our party leader (Raila). He is a statesman who has always put the country before his own interests," said Mr Wandayi.
