By Orenge Wycliff
Into the Story
Opposition Politician and Protesters Arrested in Kenya amid Abduction Protests
In Nairobi, Kenya, an opposition senator and several other demonstrators were detained during street protests on Monday, demanding an end to the reported abductions of young government critics. Senator Okiya Omtatah was among hundreds of protesters who gathered in the capital, chanting for the release of seven individuals allegedly abducted earlier this month.
The protest turned violent when the police responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd. When Omtatah, alongside other demonstrators, refused to leave and even linked arms with a long chain, they were arrested by the authorities.
This protest comes amid growing concerns about the increasing number of abductions of government opponents. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) raised alarms on Thursday, revealing that at least 82 cases of abductions have been reported since the anti-government protests began in June. The commission has condemned these acts, which it believes are an attempt to silence dissent.
“If they have committed a crime, let them be prosecuted and presented in court to defend themselves,” he said.
On Saturday, President William Ruto addressed the issue, assuring the public that his government would put an end to the abductions to ensure young people can live without fear. However, human rights organizations continue to allege that the country’s police force is responsible for many of these disappearances. The police, on the other hand, have denied involvement and stated that they are actively investigating the cases.
Senator Omtatah, on Monday, filed a lawsuit at the Nairobi High Court seeking to force the government to release the seven detained youths. In his filing, Omtatah argued that if the youths had committed any crimes, they should be brought before the court to face charges, rather than be subjected to what he called unlawful abductions.
The protesters, mostly young people, voiced their solidarity with the abducted individuals. One protester, Orpah Thabiti, shared her feelings of fear and anxiety, saying, “We are existing at a time where we have to live in fear.” This statement reflects the climate of uncertainty many young Kenyans feel, as recent events have shown that even expressing dissent on social media can lead to severe consequences. Notably, four social media users went missing after posting AI-generated images of President Ruto that were deemed offensive by government supporters.
“If they have committed a crime, let them be prosecuted and presented in court to defend themselves,” he said.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has expressed concern over the situation, warning that the country may be sliding back into the “dark days” of political oppression and disappearances. These were prevalent during the regime of the late President Daniel Moi, who ruled Kenya from 1978 to 2002, and were marked by the forced disappearance and torture of opposition figures.
For more on Kenya’s ongoing human rights concerns, see related stories:
- Human rights groups in Kenya raise alarms over abductions of critics
- Protesters face police crackdown over gender-based violence protests
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