Politician among protesters arrested in Kenya while calling for an end to alleged abductions
3 min readA Kenyan opposition politician, Senator Okiya Omtatah, was arrested along with several other protesters on Monday during a demonstration calling for an end to alleged abductions of young government critics. The protest, held in Nairobi, the capital, was in response to an increase in cases where young individuals, particularly those vocal against the government, have gone missing. Omtatah, joined by hundreds of protesters, sat on the streets chanting for the release of seven people who were allegedly abducted earlier this month.
The police responded with force, firing tear gas canisters at the crowd. When Omtatah and other protesters refused to disperse and clung to a long chain, they were taken into custody. The protest focused on the disturbing rise in abductions, which rights groups believe are carried out by the country’s police force. While the police have denied these claims, they have stated that investigations into the disappearances are ongoing.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised alarms about the growing number of alleged kidnappings, citing that there have been 82 such cases since anti-government protests erupted in June. These abductions are reportedly targeting government critics, particularly younger activists. The rights commission expressed deep concern, stating that Kenya could be slipping back into a period of repression reminiscent of the dark days under the late President Daniel Moi’s regime, when opposition figures were often abducted and tortured.
In response to these allegations, President William Ruto assured the public over the weekend that his government would put an end to these abductions, ensuring that young people could live in peace and without fear. However, the president’s statement has done little to quell growing anxiety among activists, who accuse the police of being complicit in the disappearances.
Omtatah, in his ongoing legal battle, filed a case at the High Court in Nairobi on Monday, demanding the government free the seven youths who were allegedly abducted by law enforcement. The senator expressed his frustration, saying that if the youths had committed a crime, they should be presented in court and allowed to defend themselves legally. His appeal highlighted the notion that citizens should not fear for their safety simply because of their political views.
The demonstration, which included a large number of young protesters, aimed to show solidarity with the missing individuals. One of the protesters, Orpah Thabiti, emphasized the growing sense of fear among the youth. “We are existing at a time where we have to live in fear,” she said, underscoring the oppressive atmosphere that many feel in the current climate.
The concerns over freedom of speech were further heightened by the disappearance of four social media users who had shared AI-generated images of President Ruto. These images were considered offensive by some government supporters, and the social media users were allegedly taken by authorities shortly after posting the images. This incident has further fueled suspicions that the government is cracking down on those who challenge or criticize its leadership, especially in online spaces.
In recent months, the government has faced mounting pressure from human rights organizations, who warn that Kenya is witnessing a dangerous trend of disappearing individuals with opposing views. The KNCHR has repeatedly raised alarms about the possibility of Kenya reverting to a time when political dissent was met with force and silence. Under Moi’s regime, the country saw widespread disappearances, torture, and suppression of opposition voices, a dark chapter that many hoped would not be revisited.
Despite the government’s promises, the issue of abductions remains unresolved. Activists and opposition figures continue to challenge the authorities, demanding that those responsible for the disappearances be held accountable. The protests in Nairobi are just one of many demonstrations that have taken place as the public grows more desperate for justice and transparency.
The situation highlights the growing tensions in Kenya between the government and its critics, with many fearing that the rights and freedoms of citizens are being undermined. As protests continue and legal battles unfold, the pressure on the government to address the allegations of abductions intensifies.
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