Kipkorir Ngetich Demands Crackdown on Fake Abduction, Torture Claims: “Justice Is Not a Playground”

In the wake of the sensational case involving the alleged fake abduction of a sitting Member of Parliament, prominent Eldoret-based human rights defender Kipkorir Ngetich has launched a bold call for legislative reform and accountability, urging Parliament to criminalize the fabrication of torture and abduction claims.

Speaking to journalists in Eldoret, Ngetich described the recent case as a “wake-up call” for the country and warned that such theatrics could severely damage Kenya’s hard-won reputation in global human rights spaces.

“Faking torture and abduction is not just a lie—it is a betrayal of those who have truly suffered. It devalues real pain and creates mistrust toward victims who genuinely need protection,” he said. “Justice is not a playground, and human rights work is not a stage for political drama.”

Rising Trend, Growing Concern

The activist cited an emerging trend in which individuals fabricate incidents of state persecution in order to attract political sympathy, asylum opportunities, or foreign funding. According to Ngetich, this trend is not only morally reprehensible, but also dangerously undermines the credibility of real victims, some of whom are left voiceless in a flood of politicized falsehoods.

“Some people are getting rich from trauma they’ve never endured. They take advantage of the international community’s goodwill, and in doing so, they hurt those who truly need help,” Ngetich stated.

Proposed Legal Reforms

Ngetich is calling on Parliament, specifically the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, to urgently amend the Prevention of Torture Act (2017) to include:Criminal charges and penalties for individuals found guilty of fabricating torture and abduction cases,The mandatory involvement of medical professionals in verifying such claims and National investigative protocols to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability

He emphasized the importance of scientific and medical verification in all torture-related investigations.

“Every claim of torture or abduction must be backed by certified medical evidence. We need independent doctors attached to key agencies to verify injuries, interview victims, and report facts—not fiction,” he said.

Specifically, Ngetich proposed that the following institutions designate independent medical officers to participate in investigations:The Office of the Attorney General,The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI),The Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP),Parliament’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee,The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Major civil society organizations

These medical experts would document injuries, issue official reports, and ensure that only genuine cases of torture and abuse are pursued in courts and reported to the public.

International Donor Accountability

Ngetich also took aim at some foreign donors and development agencies, accusing them of funding unverified and politically motivated claims without conducting proper background checks. 

“There are organizations abroad that are pouring money into false claims of torture, thinking they are supporting human rights. What they’re really doing is sponsoring lies and damaging our country’s image,” he said.

He called for sanctions and possible deregistration of any foreign or local organization found complicit in financing fraudulent claims. He also urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NGO Coordination Board to begin investigations into the flow of donor funds tied to alleged false narratives.

The Media’s Role and Need for Guidelines

Ngetich emphasized the responsibility of the Kenyan media in handling such sensitive topics. He urged news outlets to avoid publishing or broadcasting unverified claims of torture or abduction, saying the damage from sensational, unconfirmed reports can be long-lasting.

“Let’s be honest: once a story hits the headlines, it’s hard to erase—even if it’s false. That’s why journalists must demand evidence, such as medical reports, before putting these claims in the public domain,” he said.

He proposed the development of national reporting standards and ethical guidelines for journalists covering cases of alleged torture and abduction, recommending that such stories be vetted by human rights professionals and medical experts before being aired or published.

Safeguarding Human Rights Integrity

The activist underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of Kenya’s human rights institutions, warning that continued abuse of legal and humanitarian frameworks will weaken the fight against state brutality, police violence, and abuse of power—all of which remain serious issues in some parts of the country.

“When fake stories dominate headlines, real victims are sidelined. When our systems are flooded with lies, justice becomes slower, and impunity grows stronger. We cannot allow that,” he said.

Historical Context and the Fight for Truth

Ngetich placed the issue in historical perspective, reminding Kenyans that torture and abduction were common under colonial rule and authoritarian regimes, used to silence voices of dissent and resistance.

“These were tools of oppression—tools that crushed our freedom fighters and silenced our heroes. To turn them into political games or fundraising strategies is an insult to our history,” he warned.

Call to Action

In conclusion, Kipkorir Ngetich called on fellow human rights defenders, civil society leaders, lawmakers, and patriotic Kenyans to join hands in restoring truth, discipline, and accountability to human rights advocacy.“This is about protecting our country, our people, and the victims who depend on us. Let’s develop strong laws, sound systems, and professional standards that will preserve the dignity of human rights work in Kenya,” he said.

June 05, 2025