Leslie Muturi, the eldest son of Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi—a prominent Kenyan politician and current Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development—has recently come into the public eye due to a distressing incident involving his alleged abduction.
Background and family
Born into a family with deep roots in Kenyan politics, Leslie is the son of Justin Muturi, who has held significant positions including Speaker of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2022, and currently serves as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service and Human Capital Development. Leslie’s mother, Lucy Muturi, and his younger brother, Brian Muturi, complete the family.
The abduction incident
On the night of June 22, 2024, Leslie was reportedly abducted in Nairobi’s Kilimani area. According to Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, a close friend who was driving behind Leslie at the time, individuals believed to be police officers intercepted Leslie’s vehicle. Mwenje recounted that men dressed in black combat gear forced Leslie out of his car and took him away in a white Land Cruiser.
The incident caused significant distress to the Muturi family. Despite Justin Muturi’s position as Attorney General and a member of the National Security Council at the time, he was unable to obtain information about his son’s whereabouts during the ordeal. Leslie was eventually released without charges, but the lack of transparency and official explanation has been a point of contention for the family.
Public outcry and government response
The abduction of Leslie Muturi is part of a concerning trend of similar incidents in Kenya, with reports indicating that over 80 individuals have been kidnapped since June 2024. Many of these cases involve critics of President William Ruto’s administration. Human rights organizations and the public have expressed alarm over these developments, calling for thorough investigations and accountability.
In response to the growing outcry, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has stated that it is actively investigating these cases. Regarding Leslie’s abduction, the DCI has invited Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and others with pertinent information to record statements to aid in the investigation.
Current status
As of now, there has been no official explanation for Leslie’s abduction, and no individuals have been held accountable. The incident has intensified discussions about security, human rights, and the rule of law in Kenya, with calls for the government to address these issues transparently and effectively.
Conclusion
The ordeal of Leslie underscores the challenges faced by individuals and families in Kenya concerning security and human rights. It also highlights the need for transparency and accountability from authorities to restore public trust and ensure the safety of all citizens.
