Rising abductions have pushed human rights groups and families of the missing to organize nationwide protests today. They demand justice for those they believe rogue police officers have abducted.
The activists have confirmed that all preparations are in place. These protests follow the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued last Friday by families and activists, demanding the immediate release of the abducted individuals. They warned of street protests if the government failed to act.
A meeting in Nairobi yesterday finalized the protest plans. One activist declared, “We will stay on the streets until the abducted are freed. The time for talking is over.” Protesters are demanding that President William Ruto explain who is behind the abductions, as the government denies involvement.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed a secret abduction squad, led by someone named Abel, operates from a building in Nairobi. He gave the government 72 hours to release the missing persons. Gachagua, along with DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, warned of mass protests starting January 1, 2025, if the government does not act.
Meanwhile, Embu County police have warned residents against participating in illegal protests over the abduction of college student Billy Munyiri Mwangi.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports 82 abduction cases since June, with 29 individuals still missing. Seven of these cases occurred in the last two weeks. In June, anti-government protests over proposed tax hikes led to at least 61 deaths. No police officers have been held accountable for extrajudicial killings or abductions.
Issack Hassan, head of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), expressed concern over the rising number of abductions. IPOA has sent teams to investigate and determine if police officers are involved.
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