Nairobi(Mogadishu24)-The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has strongly condemned President William Ruto’s recent denial of any knowledge of police abductions during anti-government protests, labeling his remarks as a “blatant lie.”

In a statement, KHRC revealed that over 22 people have been abducted and 53 arbitrarily arrested, including doctors and lawyers, during the protests.

“President Ruto’s claim that he’s unaware of any Kenyan forcibly disappeared by security agents during anti-government protests is a blatant lie,” the commission stated, calling for accountability on the International Day of the Disappeared.

During a town hall session in Kisumu, President Ruto insisted he had no information on abductions, inviting families of the missing to come forward with names. His comments have sparked outrage, with KHRC urging the government to launch an independent investigation and address the violations.

The protests, driven by tax increases in the Finance Bill 2024, led to the deaths of at least 50 people and significant property damage, intensifying scrutiny of the Ruto administration’s response.