A member of Kenyan President William Ruto's cabinet on Sunday became the first to speak out over a wave of abductions of young government critics, saying his own son had been a victim.
Justin Muturi, attorney general under Ruto from October 2022 to July 2024, spoke out about the kidnappings that have enraged Kenyans for months.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights says at least 82 people have been abducted by security forces since massive youth-led protests broke out in June, with dozens still missing.
"There has been a number of abductions and in some cases unexplained deaths since the Gen Z revolts of June last year," Muturi said in a televised statement.
"I have personally suffered as my son was abducted and disappeared and I was not sure if he was alive or dead," he added.
Despite being a member of the National Security Council at the time of the abduction, Muturi said he was unable to garner any information on his son's whereabouts.
Muturi said his son was eventually released by "unknown forces" and never charged.
"The government at all levels has not been able to give me any explanation or reasons as to his abduction by hooded armed gangsters," he said.
Local media reports from the time said that Muturi's son Leslie was bundled into a car after leaving a bar in central Nairobi in June. His friends told Citizen TV that he was released the following day.
Muturi was parliament speaker under the previous government from 2013 to 2022.
He was removed as attorney general in a cabinet reshuffle after the protests and currently serves as cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development.
The abductions have dominated news in Kenya, especially after the kidnapping of six young men last month.
At least two were taken after sharing satirical cartoons or AI-generated images of Ruto in a coffin.
Five were released last week with no explanation from the authorities.
Kenya's high court has ordered the country's top policeman to appear for questioning over their cases on January 27 or be charged with contempt.
Ruto has admitted to excesses by security forces. Speaking on December 27 he even said "we will stop" the abductions, though he also called on parents to better control their children.
The ambassadors of the United States and Britain, close allies of Kenya, have criticised the abductions and called for full investigations.