Former Chief Justice David Maraga has hit back at the government over the increasing incidences of state-linked abductions and murders of the youth.

Maraga on Friday said these crimes are a profound betrayal of the future of the country and the sanctity of its Constitution.

He said every Kenyan and particularly the youth deserve to live in safety and security to allow them to pursue their dreams.

Maraga's voice adds to others who have called on President William Ruto to move swiftly and put measures in place that will bring to an end the abductions. "A leadership that abets a culture of killings and human rights violations jeopardizes its legitimacy.