Dozens of police officers were stationed across various streets in Nairobi on Monday to monitor protests against abductions and enforced disappearances. According to Nairobi Police Boss Adamson Bungei, authorities were keeping a close eye on the situation while assessing the need for intervention.
Protests Begin Amid Low Turnout
By 9 a.m., only a few protesters had gathered on some streets in the capital, likely due to the festive season’s reduced population in the city. Human rights organizations, lobby groups, and victims of abductions had earlier announced nationwide demonstrations across all 47 counties to demand justice and an end to the ongoing disappearances.
Protesters are calling for the release of those allegedly abducted by security agents, a halt to arbitrary arrests, and government action on demands made during the Generation Z demonstrations in June.
Government and Police Stance
Insiders revealed that police officers had been directed not to disrupt protests unless explicitly ordered. The demonstrations were anticipated to remain low-key, minimizing the risk of escalation.
DPP Orders Investigation
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mulele Ingonga, has ordered an expedited investigation into the claims of abductions and forced disappearances. He directed the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to provide an update within three days.
The DPP expressed concern about the state’s responsibility to uphold the constitutional rights to life, freedom, and security. The investigation will cover cases like those of cartoonist Gideon Kibet (alias Kibet Bull), Steve Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, and others.
Public and Political Pressure
President William Ruto recently addressed the issue, pledging to end abductions and restore public trust in security agencies. “We will end it so that our youth can live in peace and have faith in security agencies,” Ruto said.
Opposition leaders, including Raila Odinga, have called for swift government action to hold perpetrators accountable and bring justice to victims. Odinga emphasized, “The cases of young people being arrested carelessly, handcuffed, and tortured should stop.”
