Gachagua Warns Kenya 'Not Safe' Amid Cross-Border Abductions: Ruto Administration Under Fire

• Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned that Kenya is becoming unsafe for foreigners due to cross-border abductions and forced deportations.
• Gachagua cited several high-profile cases of alleged transnational repression, including the abduction of Ugandan opposition supporters and Turkish asylum seekers.
• The Ruto administration's security record has come under scrutiny, with Gachagua accusing the government of failing to protect constitutional freedoms and allowing security agencies to operate outside the law.

The recent spate of cross-border abductions in Kenya has raised serious concerns about the safety of foreigners living, working, and traveling in the country. According to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, at least 36 Ugandan opposition supporters were allegedly forced back into Uganda on July 24, 2024, following a joint Kenyan-Ugandan security operation. This incident is just one of several cases cited by Gachagua, who accused the Ruto administration of allowing a pattern of cross-border abductions and forced deportations. The alleged transnational repression has sparked condemnation from human rights organizations and UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.

Gachagua's allegations have put the Ruto administration's security record under intense scrutiny, particularly in light of its 2022 campaign promise to build a secure, just, and democratic Kenya. The former Deputy President accused the government of failing to protect constitutional freedoms and allowing security agencies to operate outside the law. His report highlighted several cases of alleged abductions and deportations of foreign nationals, including Turkish asylum seekers, Ugandan opposition leaders, and Tanzanian journalists. These incidents have raised questions about the administration's commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

Gachagua's warning that foreigners are not safe in Kenya is backed by several high-profile cases, including the alleged abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye while he was visiting Nairobi. The former Deputy President also cited the case of Zimbabwean constitutional lawyer Brian Kagoro, who was detained and deported from Kenya after being intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. These incidents have significant implications for foreign nationals living, working, or traveling in Kenya, and highlight the need for governments to pay closer attention to their citizens' safety in the country.

Lawyers advising clients on investments or travel to Kenya should be aware of the deteriorating security environment and potential risks to foreigners, which may impact their business or personal interests. They should also monitor government responses to Gachagua's allegations and any updates on the cases cited.

Source: Original reporting via Capital FM Kenya