NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Opposition politician Senator Okiya Omtatah and several other protesters were arrested in Kenya on Monday during street demonstrations calling for an end to alleged abductions that have recently targeted young government critics.
The protests took place in the capital, Nairobi, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered, demanding the release of seven individuals who were reportedly abducted this month. Senator Omtatah joined the protesters in sitting down on the streets while chanting for the police to free the abductees.
Law enforcement responded by launching tear gas canisters at the protesters. Despite the dispersal efforts, Omtatah and several others refused to leave and instead held on to a long chain, leading to their arrest.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights expressed concern over the increasing number of reported kidnappings of government critics, citing a total of 82 cases since anti-government protests began in June.
President William Ruto addressed the issue on Saturday, pledging to halt the abductions to ensure the safety and peace of young people in the country.
Although rights groups have implicated the police force in the abductions, law enforcement officials have denied any involvement, stating that they are actively investigating the disappearances.
In response to the arrests, Senator Omtatah filed a case at the High Court in Nairobi, seeking to compel the government to release the seven abducted youths. He emphasized the importance of due process, stating, “If they have committed a crime, let them be prosecuted and presented in court to defend themselves.”
Protesters expressed solidarity with the abducted individuals, highlighting the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that pervades their daily lives. Orpah Thabiti, a demonstrator, remarked, “We are existing at a time where we have to live in fear.”
In a separate incident, four social media users went missing after sharing AI-generated images of President Ruto that were considered offensive by government supporters.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights issued a stark warning, cautioning that the country was regressing to the repressive practices of the past, particularly the disappearance and torture of government critics during the tenure of late President Daniel Moi.
The ongoing protests and arrests underscore the deepening political tensions in Kenya and the challenges facing those who speak out against the government’s actions.
