NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — An opposition leader and several other demonstrators were detained in Kenya on Monday during street protests demanding an end to alleged abductions targeting young government critics. Senator Okiya Omtatah was among hundreds of protesters who sat down in the capital, Nairobi, demanding the release of seven individuals who were reportedly abducted earlier this month. Police responded by firing tear gas canisters at the protesters. When Omtatah and several others refused to disperse and clung to a long chain, they were arrested.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights expressed concern on Thursday about the increasing number of reported kidnappings of government critics, noting that there have been a total of 82 such cases since anti-government demonstrations began in June. President William Ruto, in a statement on Saturday, pledged to put an end to the abductions to ensure that young people can live in peace.
Rights groups have accused the country’s police force of being responsible for these abductions, although the police have denied any involvement and stated that they are investigating the disappearances. Senator Omtatah took further action on Monday by filing a case at the High Court in Nairobi, seeking the release of the seven youths and accusing the police of being behind their disappearances. “If they have committed a crime, let them face prosecution and have the opportunity to defend themselves in court,” Omtatah emphasized.
Young protesters expressed solidarity with the abducted individuals, highlighting the pervasive atmosphere of fear in which they live. “We are currently existing in a state of fear,” remarked protester Orpah Thabiti. The disappearances of four social media users who had posted AI-generated images of President Ruto that were deemed offensive by government supporters have added to the growing concerns.
The human rights commission cautioned that Kenya was regressing to the “dark days” characterized by the disappearance and torture of government critics, a period synonymous with the administration of the late President Daniel Moi.
