As the country grapples with an alarming rise in abductions, a fresh wave of protests is set to sweep across Kenya, with demonstrators planning to take to the streets on Monday, December 30, 2024.
This follows the recent formation of President William Ruto’s broad-based government, which has sparked growing frustration among Kenyans, particularly youth activists, who are demanding action on the ongoing abductions.
The planned demonstrations, largely organized by the youth under the banner of “End of Year Freedom Party,” are part of an ongoing effort to push for reforms and demand the government take immediate action to address the abduction crisis.
This comes after a troubling report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which revealed that since June, when the Anti-Finance Bill protests took place, at least 29 individuals have gone missing under suspicious circumstances.
In total, there have been 82 reported abductions since June, with 13 of these cases occurring within the last three months.
These abductions have sparked widespread outrage, with political leaders, religious groups, civil society organizations, and ordinary citizens expressing their anger over the lack of accountability and the apparent targeting of social media users and critics of the government.
The protests, which are expected to be peaceful and vibrant, will see youth activists occupy major cities and towns, including Nairobi, waving Kenyan flags and singing songs of freedom.
The hashtag #EndAbductionsKE has been circulating online, as Kenyans voice their support for the movement.
In recent weeks, the country has witnessed significant changes driven by the Gen Z protests, including the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, a reorganization of political formations, and a reconstitution of the Cabinet.
The upcoming demonstrations are seen as the first major public display since President Ruto’s reshuffled government and Cabinet, and will likely be a significant test of his administration’s ability to address public concerns.
On December 27, protests in Embu Town were sparked by the alleged abduction of social media influencer Billy Mwangi.
Mwangi went missing on December 21 after being forcibly taken from a barbershop by masked and armed men, allegedly police officers.
His disappearance has added fuel to the growing outrage over abductions, with Embu residents taking to the streets to demand his release.
Protesters blocked roads, set tyres on fire, and brought business operations to a standstill.
Meanwhile, residents of Mwingi North in Mumoni Ward have threatened to hold their own demonstrations demanding the release of Bernard Kavuli, a 24-year-old journalism student from Mt Kenya University who was abducted in Ngong town.
Kavuli’s abduction, captured on CCTV, occurred shortly after he posted criticism of the government on social media. Locals have vowed to disrupt transport and business activities unless Kavuli is released.
In response to the growing public outcry, President Ruto addressed the issue of abductions on December 27 during a speech in Homa Bay County.
He promised to put an end to the abductions and restore public trust in national security.
While urging parents to protect and guide their children, he also assured the public that his government would act decisively to ensure peace and discipline among the youth.
Raila Odinga, candidate for the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has also called on President Ruto to address the issue with urgency and bring those responsible to justice, reinforcing the need for swift action to quell the mounting fears of abductions in the country.