Protests in Kenya Over Abductions—Families Demand Answers
Tensions ran high in Nairobi on Monday as protesters flooded the streets, demanding an end to the wave of abductions targeting government critics.
The demonstration quickly turned chaotic when police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Opposition politician Senator Okiya Omtatah and several others were arrested during the protests.
Among the protesters were desperate families searching for answers. Serah Njeri, whose son—a blogger—was abducted, made a tearful plea:
"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."
Concerns about these disappearances are growing. Kenya’s National Commission on Human Rights reported that 82 people have gone missing since protests against the government started in June.
Rights groups believe the police are behind the abductions, but authorities have denied it. Instead, they claim to be investigating the disappearances.
Protesters, however, aren’t convinced. Senator Okiya Omtatah didn’t hold back, accusing the government of President William Ruto of becoming “rogue.”
"The government must stop abducting people. It must follow the rule of law—or vacate office," he said.
Many of the missing are believed to have been targeted after sharing AI-generated images of the president online—images that government supporters found offensive.
Despite the growing anger, President Ruto promised over the weekend that his government would put an end to the abductions.
But for families like Serah Njeri’s, words aren’t enough. The protests show no sign of stopping as Kenyans demand answers—and justice.