Kenyans protest in Nairobi for end to abductions targeting government critics
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Activists and young protesters hold banners during the "End Abductions" rally in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Kenyans gathered in large numbers on Monday in Nairobi to protest against the rising number of abductions allegedly targeting government critics. The demonstrators marched through the streets, calling for an end to the kidnappings, which have fueled widespread concern about human rights violations in the country. The protest, led by opposition figures and activists, saw heavy-handed responses from the police, who used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Among those arrested was opposition politician Senator Okiya Omtatah, a vocal critic of the government.
A significant portion of the protesters consisted of relatives of individuals who have disappeared under suspicious circumstances. One of the most poignant moments came when Serah Njeri, the mother of a blogger who had been abducted, spoke to the crowd. “I am here so that my child can be released. This is my child, I ask the government to please say where he is. I would rather you kill me, here I am. Many other people are here too with me, release our children please,” she said, her voice filled with anguish. Her heartfelt plea resonated deeply with the other demonstrators, who shared similar fears for the safety of their loved ones.
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has raised alarm about the growing number of abductions, with many victims believed to be critics of the government. Since June, following demonstrations against President William Ruto’s administration, 82 people have reportedly been abducted. Rights organizations have placed the blame on Kenya’s police force, accusing them of being involved in or facilitating the disappearances. However, the police have denied these allegations, stating that they are investigating the cases and are committed to finding those responsible for the abductions.
The protestors were not just voicing concerns about specific disappearances, but were also sending a broader message against what they perceive as an increasingly authoritarian government. Okiya Omtatah, the opposition senator who was detained during the demonstration, condemned the actions of the government, saying, “The government of President William Ruto must stop abducting people. These actions by the government, which are targeting its critics, show that this regime has become rogue. We are here to demand that the regime follow the rule of law or vacate office.” His remarks underscored the tension between the government and its critics, many of whom feel that their freedoms are being curtailed.
In addition to political figures and activists, the protest also highlighted the experiences of ordinary citizens who fear for their safety and that of their loved ones. Some social media users have allegedly disappeared after sharing AI-generated images of President Ruto, which were seen as offensive by some of his supporters. These incidents have raised fears about the extent to which the government is willing to go to silence dissent, with critics accusing it of using fear and intimidation tactics to stifle opposition.
The Kenyan government, however, has denied the claims of abductions and maintained that the police are conducting investigations into the disappearances. Over the weekend, President Ruto addressed the situation, promising that the government would take steps to halt the abductions. “We will stop these actions,” Ruto said, trying to assure the public that the situation would be addressed. However, his words were met with skepticism from many, as the abductions have continued despite previous promises of action.
The protests in Nairobi reflect growing frustration and anger among the Kenyan public, who feel that their government is increasingly hostile to dissent and criticism. While the government has pledged to take action, the ongoing abductions and the suppression of free speech have left many questioning the direction in which the country is headed. For the families of the missing, the protests represent a last hope that their loved ones will be found and that the government will be held accountable for its actions.
As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the Kenyan government will take meaningful steps to address the concerns of its citizens and restore trust in its ability to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
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