Exclusive: HRW Uncovers Secret Units Behind Kenya’s Abduction Crisis

Nairobi, Kenya – An alarming report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) sheds light on the shadowy operations behind Kenya’s surge in abductions, implicating special units within the country’s security apparatus.

HRW has revealed the existence of the Operation Support Unit (OSU), a covert group within Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which purportedly took over from the now-defunct Special Service Unit (SSU). This development comes after President William Ruto’s administration dismantled the SSU amid accusations of human rights violations, only to seemingly reform it under a new name.

Otsieno Namwaya, Associate Director at HRW’s Africa division, detailed how the OSU, under the guidance of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) led by Noordin Haji, has been allegedly involved in secretive and violent operations. “The OSU is not just a new name; it’s carrying the same old tactics of abduction and violence,” Namwaya stated.

The OSU isn’t alone in these operations; HRW’s investigation also points to the “Operation Action Team,” a multi-agency task force including members from the DCI, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), and military intelligence. Despite being officially under a DCI officer, the real control, according to Namwaya, lies with the NIS, which uses surveillance for these operations.

Namwaya further disclosed the involvement of a secretive NIS group known as “Mafundi,” likened to mechanics tasked with the “dirty work” of abductions. “Mafundi are the foot soldiers when it comes to executing these operations,” he explained.

The gravity of these allegations was underscored by a recent claim from Justin Muturi, the Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, who accused the NIS of abducting his son, bringing the issue to a national spotlight.

African Division Human Rights Executive Director Mausi Segun when she released Human Rights Watch World Report 2025 in Nairobi, on January 16, 2025.

HRW’s report suggests a pattern of targeting government critics and suspected traffickers, with operations not only in Nairobi but also in regions like Lamu, Garissa, and Mandera, where military intelligence has historically played a significant role in past abductions.

Mausi Segun, Executive Director of HRW, emphasized that the responsibility for these actions ultimately falls on President Ruto. “It’s a complex web, but the trail leads directly to the top. There needs to be accountability,” Segun insisted.

This investigation by HRW not only highlights the ongoing human rights concerns in Kenya but also calls for a thorough examination of the operations and oversight of its security agencies. The findings have sparked a debate on the need for reform and transparency within Kenya’s law enforcement and intelligence communities.