Anti-riot police attempt to break up and arrest protesters braced on the ground in a stand off during protests to demand the release of those allegedly abducted by state security agencies in Nairobi on December 30, 2024. – Security forces in the East African nation have been accused of carrying out dozens of illegal detentions since youth-led anti-government demonstrations in June and July. Kenyan President William Ruto has promised an end to abductions, following the latest spate of disappearances that have been condemned by rights groups, lawyers and politicians. (Photo by Tony KARUMBA / AFP)
Kenyan police forcibly detained dozens of demonstrators and a senator, AFP witnessed Monday, firing tear gas into small peaceful rallies protesting recent alleged abductions that have enraged the country.
Security forces in the East African nation have been accused of carrying out dozens of illegal detentions since youth-led anti-government demonstrations in June and July.
The latest disappearances have primarily involved young people who have criticised President William Ruto online, with rights groups dismissing police denials of involvement and calling for action.
Scores of protesters rallied in the capital Nairobi on Monday, some brandishing images of those who had disappeared, calling for their release, and an end to the alleged abductions.
“What we are calling, demanding for, is the young people who have been abducted to be released,” said Nerima Wako, of youth empowerment group Siasa Place.
“This lifestyle of being abducted should have ended in the nineties,” she told AFP, referencing a period in recent Kenyan history under former President Daniel Moi that has become synonymous with state-sanctioned disappearances.
Behind her a small group of demonstrators sang the national anthem and refused to move despite repeated volleys of tear gas from police officers.
“The citizens are not afraid to speak out, even though the intimidation is real,” said Wako.
Officers eventually dispersed the group — who continued to chant, “we are peaceful, stop killing us police” — by detaining dozens of them, including Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti.
Protester Wanjiku, 29, condemned the police response.
