A group of women gathered along Kimathi Street in Nairobi on Monday morning, chanting songs of freedom and holding banners as part of the ongoing #EndAbductionsKE protests.
These women were protesting the rising cases of abductions and forced disappearances in Kenya, a troubling trend that has sparked widespread public outrage and concern.
The protesters voiced their frustration over the government’s inaction and the growing number of young people vanishing without a trace, calling for an end to the culture of impunity surrounding these disappearances.
The #EndAbductionsKE movement has gained significant momentum in recent months, with multiple reports of individuals particularly young men being abducted, many of whom are allegedly taken by state agencies.
Human rights organizations have raised alarms, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) documenting over 80 cases of abductions since June 2024.
The protests have become a platform for families of the disappeared to demand justice and accountability, with many participants sharing personal stories of pain and loss.
Among the demonstrators were the families of the missing, some of whom have lost loved ones to violence, while others continue to search for their relatives.
One emotional protester, a mother whose son was abducted in 2024, called for swift government action. “We demand accountability.
These abductions cannot continue,” she said, her voice filled with anguish.
The protests also reflect a broader national outcry, with human rights activists planning additional rallies and vigils across the country.
More demonstrations are expected to take place on January 6, with protests planned in various cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Embu, and Karatina.
Activists are mobilizing large groups to block key routes such as Jogoo Road, Kiambu Road, Lang’ata Road, Limuru Road, Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, Thika Road, Uhuru Highway, and Waiyaki Way in Nairobi.
In Mombasa, the activist group Kenyans Against Abduction plans to march from Pembe za Ndovu to the Urban Police Station and potentially camp outside the Mombasa Law Courts.
Thousands of people are expected to participate, and it remains unclear how long the protests will last.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the planned protests and may attempt to disperse crowds if they become disruptive.
Enhanced security measures, such as road closures or temporary restrictions on public movement, are likely.
There are also concerns about potential clashes between police and protesters, given the rising tensions surrounding the issue of abductions.
Meanwhile, two victims of abductions, Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, were released on January 6, providing some relief to their families.
Billy, who had been missing for 15 days, walked back to his home in Embu after being abandoned in Nyeri, about 60 kilometers away.
His family had previously linked the abduction to his outspoken criticism of the government.
Pictures of Billy reuniting with his relatives in Majengo, Embu, were shared online, offering some comfort in an otherwise harrowing situation.
Peter Muteti, who was abducted outside an apartment in Nairobi on December 21 over his social media posts, was also released by his captors and managed to return home.
The timing of their releases has raised questions, with some activists suggesting that it was an attempt to deflate the momentum of the planned protests.
However, organizers of the rallies continue to call for greater public participation to condemn the ongoing trend of abductions.
As of now, at least seven other individuals are still missing following their abductions.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has reported that December alone saw seven cases of enforced disappearances.
Authorities have yet to provide clarity on the status of investigations into these abductions.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Mulele Ingonga, has expressed concern over the issue and called for a thorough investigation, directing the police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to probe the matter and submit their findings.
With the rising number of abductions, the families of the disappeared, human rights groups, and ordinary Kenyans are uniting in their demand for justice and accountability.
The #EndAbductionsKE movement aims to exert pressure on both local and international bodies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that the victims are brought home.
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