Kenya: Arrest of demonstrators calling for an end to kidnappings

Kenyan police on Monday fired tear gas and violently arrested dozens of demonstrators who were peacefully protesting against a new wave of kidnappings of young opponents which is sparking outrage in the country, AFP noted.

Kenyan security forces have been accused of being behind dozens of disappearances following harshly suppressed June-July anti-government protests in the East African country, during which more than 60 people were arrested. killed according to NGOs.

The latest wave of kidnappings, which is making headlines in Kenya, mainly concerns young men who criticized President William Ruto online. Two of them had published an image generated using artificial intelligence of the head of state lying in a coffin.

Seven cases of kidnappings reported this month

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) last week documented seven cases of abductions reported this month, of which six remain missing.

Cornered by human rights defenders and several political figures, William Ruto promised on Friday to “put an end to kidnappings”.

On Monday, dozens of demonstrators responded to a call to demonstrate in the capital Nairobi, holding placards with the image of some of the missing, chanting their names, and calling for their release and an end to the kidnappings.

“Bullying is real”

“The young people who have been kidnapped must be released,” Nerima Wako, from the NGO Siasa which supports youth, told AFP. This type of abuse “should have ended in the 90s,” continued the demonstrator, evoking the era of President Daniel arap Moi, synonymous with disappearances approved by the State.

“Citizens are not afraid to speak out, even if the intimidation is real,” she added. Behind her, a small group of demonstrators sang the national anthem and refused to move, despite repeated shots of tear gas from the police.

The group – which included Senator Okiya Omtatah Okoiti – was eventually herded into four police vehicles. “I don’t see why they do this to people who aren’t even violent,” Wanjiku, 29, lamented to AFP. “This fight is far from over,” added the demonstrator, who took part in the protest in June, and believes that the president should resign.

“Explain under oath the circumstances of the case”

Kenyan police have denied involvement in the disappearances, but activists have questioned why they do not appear to be being investigated.

A Nairobi court ruled on Monday that police must “immediately and unconditionally” release five men who were allegedly kidnapped. Justice Bahati Mwamuye ordered police to produce the five men in court on Tuesday or “explain under oath the circumstances of the case” or their whereabouts.

In total, 29 of the 82 people recorded missing since June are still not found, estimates the KNCHR.

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