NAIROBI: Kenyan police forcibly detained several demonstrators and a senator on 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 several 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 said, 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.

Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024