The Harrowing Tale of Joshua OKO and the Dark Legacy of Political Abductions in Kenya

 One of the stories currently making waves in Kenya, particularly within the Gen Z community, is the harrowing experience of Joshua OKO, a young law student. His testimony recounts a terrifying 72-hour ordeal at the hands of a group of security officers or a gang that has been abducting those deemed politically incorrect. OKO's experience, which starkly contradicts the laws of the land and the 2010 Constitution, is deeply unsettling. In a recent interview, he breaks down in tears multiple times, revealing the severe psychological toll the incident has taken on him, including sleep disturbances.

OKO, who participated in the Occupy Parliament protests on June 25th, was abducted the following day while in Nairobi, just outside the CBD. Three days later, he was found weak and barely alive at the edge of the Maragua River in Murang'a. It’s believed that his abduction might have been intended to throw him into the river to drown, but he survived after rolling to the riverbank. He was rescued by villagers and taken to a hospital. Thankfully, OKO is recovering, although the emotional and psychological scars remain. Tragically, another protester, Denzel Omondi, a student at JKUAT, wasn’t so fortunate. His body was found days later, showing signs of torture and drowning, after attending the same protest.

The connection between these incidents and the events of June 25th raises alarming questions. Farah Maalim, an MP with close ties to the government, called the protest an attempted coup, suggesting that those who participated became targets of retribution. Many are quick to blame the police for these abductions, but this may not be entirely accurate. As I’ll explain, the situation is much more complex, with some people acting outside the law and evading accountability.

The history of political abductions in Kenya can be traced back to the early days of independence. Under President Jomo Kenyatta, a figure named “W” became notorious for his brutal enforcement of presidential security. Despite not holding an official title, he wielded immense power and instigated acts of violence against those perceived as threats to the presidency. One infamous case involved the disappearance of JM Kariuki, an MP who was interrogated and later killed after allegedly challenging Kenyatta’s leadership. Despite an official investigation, the names of those responsible, including “W,” were deliberately removed from the report to protect them from exposure.

This pattern of untouchable power figures who operate outside the law persists to this day. While the police may be involved in these operations, the decisions are often made by individuals who are not bound by legal constraints. This creates a dangerous situation for those who find themselves targeted, as the perpetrators remain shielded by political influence.

The tragic deaths of Denzel Omondi and others like him show that political retribution is still very much a reality in Kenya, echoing events from decades past. The same individuals who orchestrated these actions during the Kenyatta and Moi regimes continue to operate with impunity, creating a dangerous environment for those who dare to speak out or protest.

As we reflect on these events, it is important to remember that the struggle for justice and accountability is ongoing. I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Denzel Omondi and wish Joshua OKO a swift recovery. Having personally endured a similar traumatic experience during the Moi era, I understand the lasting impact of such events. It is my hope that one day, Kenya will break free from this dark legacy and create a future where all citizens are protected, free from the fear of political persecution.