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In recent weeks, Kenya has been gripped by a wave of unexplained abductions targeting government critics, sparking widespread fear and unrest. The demonstrations on Monday, December 30, saw thousands of Kenyans taking to the streets in a unified call for justice.

In Nairobi, hundreds of protesters, including Senator Okiya Omtatah, sat down on the streets, chanting for the release of seven people abducted this month. Police responded with teargas and arrests, further escalating tensions. Similar scenes unfolded in Mombasa, where police dispersed youths gathered at Uhuru Gardens.

These enforced disappearances led to significant protests in cities such as Nairobi, Embu, Karatina, and Mombasa, where citizens took to the streets to demand justice and accountability.

The response from the authorities was harsh, with police using teargas and making arrests, resulting in injuries among some protesters. Notably, prominent figures like Omtatah and former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame were detained during these peaceful demonstrations, highlighting the severity of the situation.

One protester in Nairobi, holding a placard with the names of recent victims, said, “We are here because we cannot live in fear. Our voices must be heard, and these abductions must stop.” Another demonstrator in Embu, reacting to the police’s use of teargas, stated, “We will not be silenced by intimidation. We demand justice for Billy Munyiri Mwangi and all the disappeared.”

Adding to the tension, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently claimed that no Kenyan had been killed by police since President William Ruto took office. This statement has sparked public fury, as it contradicts reports from human rights organizations documenting numerous deaths during anti-finance bill protests and other incidents.

A statement from the Kenya Human Rights Commission highlighted that since Ruto’s administration began, there have been at least 63 civilian deaths, 65 enforced disappearances, and over 1,400 unlawful detentions.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, there have been 82 reported cases of abductions since June 2024, with 29 individuals still missing. These abductions are a blatant violation of human rights and undermine the democratic principles that Kenya stands for. The government’s failure to address these incidents transparently and hold those responsible accountable only deepens the public’s mistrust in law enforcement and the justice system.

Protests have been widespread, with a significant portion of the population participating. A recent survey found that 62 per cent of respondents reported participating in protests in June 2024, with the highest involvement among the 25-34 age group. The protests reflect a general dissatisfaction with the government, driven by issues such as high cost of living, corruption, and unemployment.

The government must recognize that if these abductions and disappearances are not addressed, the protests could escalate to levels worse than those witnessed in June this year. President Ruto and his administration need to wake up and smell the coffee — things are not right, and immediate action is required to restore public trust and ensure the safety of all citizens.

As concerned citizens, let us not be silenced. Let us continue fighting for a Kenya where justice and human rights are upheld.

— The writer is Eminent Peace Ambassador, UN-