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Opposition leaders have demanded the government release several youths allegedly abducted by police, giving the authorities a seven-day ultimatum to take action.

If the government fails to respond by January 8, they warned that they will lead nationwide protests to mobilise Kenyans to demand justice.

The leaders spoke at the Shianda KMTC grounds in Mumias East constituency during a football tournament hosted by local MP Peter Salasya.

They included Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K chief Eugene Wamalwa, who both criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration for its alleged role in the abductions.

The abductions have hurt Kenya’s international standing, lamented Kalonzo, who urged the United Nations not to allow Kenyan representatives to sit on the Human Rights Council until the abducted youth are released.

“Kenya’s reputation as a corrupt nation, ranking second globally, should prevent us from joining such vital international bodies,” he said.

Cries of parents

Wamalwa echoed Musyoka’s sentiments, saying: “If the President and the Inspector General [of police] do not secure the release of Billy Mwangi, Gideon Kibet and the other young men by next Wednesday, it will not be business as usual in this country.”

Wamalwa called on the government to listen to the cries of parents of the abductees, warning that major protests would follow if their demands were not met.

Kenyans have the right to protest against poor leadership and utilise social media to voice their concerns, said Matungulu MP Stephen Mutinda Mule.

“The challenges faced in 2024 must propel us to reclaim our destiny in 2025 and beyond,” he declared.

The Ruto regime is dictatorial and dishonest, said former Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, announcing that a new political coalition would be created to address the governance issues plaguing the nation.

Waititu called on Kenyans to unite behind the planned coalition.

Young people, said Salasya, are sending a clear message to the President, voicing their frustration with policies that threaten their future.

“We will not stand by as our potential is jeopardised by misgovernance,” he said.