Ephraim Wainaina of Young Adventist Professionals of Kenya, flanked by other members, including acitivist Morara Kebaso addressing the press at Kikuyu Central SDA church in Kiambu County on January 6, 2025/ HANDOUTThe Young Adventist Professionals of Kenya (YAP-Kenya) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all young people who have been allegedly abducted.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group said it will not stand by while injustice prevails.
It also urged the government to respect court orders and put an end to the unlawful practice of enforced disappearances.
“We, the Young Adventist Professionals of Kenya, demand a public commitment from the government to uphold the sanctity of places of worship as enshrined in both Kenyan law and international conventions,” the statement reads in part.
YAP-Kenya highlighted the case of Ronny Kiplangat, one of the four abducted individuals who has since been released.
Kiplangat was reportedly forcibly taken outside the Kikuyu Central SDA Church after attending a Sabbath service.
Witnesses reported seeing a suspicious vehicle in the church compound, believed to have been involved in the alleged abduction.
The group noted that Ronny is neither a government critic nor politically active.
“His only ‘crime’ is being the brother of Gideon Kibet, a cartoonist. This is not just an attack on Ronny but an attack on the sanctity of our places of worship and our right to gather in peace,” the statement said.
The Young Adventist Professionals of Kenya expressed deep irony, pointing out that the government, which campaigned on a platform of Christian values and moral superiority, is doing the contrary.
The group highlighted that throughout history, places of worship have been considered sacred and inviolable.
“Yet today, our churches are no longer sanctuaries but scenes of fear and terror,” the group said.
The statement further referenced international law, including the Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief (1981), which obligates governments to protect worshippers and their places of worship.
“Instead, this government has become the very agent of desecration,” the group lamented.
Kiplangat was on Monday freed by his alleged abductors alongside Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Billy Mwangi.
However, his brother, Gideon Kibet (alias Kibet Bull), and Steve Kivango are still missing.
The group condemned the abductions, which they described as a result of the youths criticisng the government over alleged financial mismanagement, unemployment, and unfulfilled campaign promises.
They emphasised that the abductions violate both the rights of the individuals involved and the principles of democracy.
“Even worse, the High Court of Kenya has ordered their release, yet these orders remain unheeded,” the statement added.
The Young Adventist Professionals of Kenya called upon all Kenyans to unite against injustice, the media to highlight these violations, and the international community to hold the Kenyan government accountable for its actions.
