Protesters gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, demanding an end to the abduction of government critics.
Police dispersed the crowd with tear gas and detained several individuals, including opposition leader Senator Okiya Omtatah.
Families of those who have gone missing joined the demonstrations, seeking answers and accountability.
Serah Njeri, whose son is a missing blogger, said: “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.”
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights has voiced concern over the rising number of disappearances involving critics of the government.
According to the commission, 82 people have been reported missing since protests against the government erupted in June.
Human rights groups have accused Kenya’s police of carrying out these kidnappings. However, the police have denied the accusations, stating they are investigating the cases.
Many protesters directed their anger at the administration.
Okiya Omtatah said: “The government of (Kenyan) President (William) Ruto must stop abducting people. These actions by the government, which is targeting its critics, show that this regime has become rogue. We are here to demand, to call the regime back to order—to demand that the regime follows the rule of law or vacates office.”
Tensions have risen further due to the disappearance of social media users who had shared AI-generated images of the president, which government supporters found offensive.
Over the weekend, President William Ruto pledged to put a stop to the abductions, assuring the public of his government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
