Senator Bob Corker on Friday condemned the abduction and murder of three individuals associated with International Justice Mission (IJM), including staff member, Willie Kimani, taxi driver, Joseph Muiruri, and client, Josephat Mwenda, who were abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 23.
“I am profoundly saddened to learn of the deaths of Willie Kimani, Joseph Muiruri and Josephat Mwenda, three individuals who gave their lives in pursuit of justice for others,” Senator Corker said. “I strongly condemn this violence and call for a thorough and impartial investigation, with swift apprehension and prosecution of those responsible.”
“It appears that Willie, Joseph and Josephat were abducted as they departed judicial proceedings on police abuse,” Senator Corker said. “Impunity carries with it a stigma on law enforcement and the justice system within a country that is struggling still to reassert respect for the rule of law. Effectively prosecuting this case will help Kenyans, and others, believe the state is interested in justice.
“As a global leader in efforts to end modern slavery, IJM courageously fights to protect the poor from violence in the developing world, and I am proud to stand with them as they seek justice in this case.”
IJM is a global organization that partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen public justice systems. IJM is closely collaborating with Kenyan local and national law enforcement officials and is receiving assistance from the U.S. embassy.