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Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

Reactions to abduction incidents

More reactions are expected to the new wave of abductions in the country targeting perceived critics of President William Ruto’s administration.

On Friday, December 27, 2024, while attending a tournament at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, Ruto promised to bring to an end the current wave of abductions which have since been denied by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service.

“As a government, we will do our part and the issue of abductions will end in the country so the youth can live in harmony and the youth can become people of integrity and respect to move the country forward,” Ruto said.

This came after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged the head of state to bring the surging cases of abductions to a close.

“We want all our youth to be safe. I have told my friend William Ruto that the issue of youth being abducted, detained, and tortured needs to end and anyone involved arrested,” Raila urged.

The statements also came hot on the heels of an explosive press conference delivered by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who threatened to expose the identity of an unnamed person commanding the unit tasked with silencing critics.

Closure of roads

Several roads in Nairobi will remain closed for the better part of the festivities period. On Friday, December 27, 2024, KeNHA Director General Kung’u Ndung’u announced the closure of Kipande Road on the diversion to Ngara, set to continue until Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) would like to inform the public that Kipande Road will be partially closed on Single Bound at a time on diversion to Ngara Road. The closure will commence on Friday, December 27, 2024, to Tuesday, December 31, 2024,” the statement said.

“All traffic will be diverted through Embu – Nairobi Highway/Prof. Wangari Maathai Road, Kipande Road, Limuru Road and Kolobot Road as an alternative route during this period. This closure will enable the installation of the cross culvert at Kipande Road so as to facilitate a seamless connection in line with the Authority’s mandate.”

Other roads currently undergoing maintenance and construction activities include the Southern Bypass from the Ole Sereni interchange to Ngong Road interchange and the junction of Uhuru Highway and Haile Selassie Avenue, among others.