UPF party leaders condemn rise in abduction cases
(From left) UPF Secretary General Beatrice Nyawira, Party leader Kinya Rukahu and Party chairman David Ngugi at the party's National Delegates conference on February 5, 2025.
Leaders of Ubuntu People's Forum (UPF) party have strongly condemned the recent surge in abductions nationwide.
During the party’s inaugural National Delegates Conference at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, Ms Beatrice Nyawira, the Secretary General of the party, stated that the rise in abductions stems from a lack of brotherhood in society.
She emphasized that the party strongly condemns the alarming number of abductions that have taken place across the country.
"Our party’s slogan is 'Undugu Milele,' which promotes brotherhood. Recently, abductions have been increasing because people feel justified in abducting and harming those who express views they disagree with. This contradicts our party’s philosophy," she says.
Some of the leadership of Ubuntu People's Forum party during the National Delegated Conference on February 5, 2025.
Ms Nyawira also mentioned the tragic death of Richard Otieno, also known as “Molo President," who was murdered on January 18 in Elburgon. This further highlighted the grave consequences of the escalating violence.
The Chairman of the party David Mwaniki Ngugi, echoed the sentiments expressed by the Secretary General, urging the government to embrace tolerance for divergent views and constructive criticism.
"A democratic nation thrives on dialogue, not on intimidation. When problems arise, it is the duty of a responsible government to not only address the issue at hand but also tackle its root causes within the confines of the law," Ngugi says.
He adds, "The late President Daniel Moi once said that as a leader, you cannot expect to be loved by everyone, and therefore, you should not fight those who disagree with you."
"The government’s primary role is to protect its citizens. It is deeply troubling when we hear that the Inspector General and the Director of Criminal Investigations claim they are unaware of what is happening in the country."
On his part, party leader Kinya Rukahu also expressed his concern about the loss of humanity in politics, thus encouraging citizens to adopt the spirit of brotherhood, which is the foundation of Ubuntu.
Eunice 'Mama Soko' Muriithi who had vied for Nakuru woman rep seat under UPF ticket in 2022, attends the National Delegates Conference on February 5, 2025.
"The reason this (abductions) is happening is because we remain silent. When we stay quiet, thinking that only the “wakulima wa chini” are being exploited, eventually the problem reaches us all. It was only when a cabinet secretary’s son was abducted that we all took notice," he adds.
The event was well-attended by party members from across the country, including aspirants who had vied for various seats on the UPF ticket in the 2022 General Election.
UPF was founded by Nakuru’s second governor Lee Kinyanjui, who was the party leader prior to his appointment as Cabinet Secretary in the ministry of Trade, Investments and Industry.