Mon Dec 30 17:15:06 UTC 2024: ## Kenyan Police Crack Down on Protests Over Wave of Abductions

**Nairobi, Kenya** – Kenyan police used tear gas on Monday to disperse protests in Nairobi against a surge in alleged abductions of government critics. Human rights groups claim dozens have been abducted in recent months, blaming the police and intelligence services. The protests, which initially focused on tax hikes, have evolved into a broader movement challenging President William Ruto’s government.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 82 cases of alleged kidnappings since June, with many victims said to be critics of the government. Among those detained on Monday was opposition lawmaker Okiya Omtatah, who subsequently filed a court case demanding the release of seven youths allegedly abducted by police.

Protesters, many of them young people, expressed fear and solidarity with the missing, chanting slogans against the government and holding signs denouncing illegal detentions. Several social media users also disappeared after posting AI-generated images deemed offensive to the government.

While the government denies involvement in extrajudicial killings or abductions, President Ruto pledged on Saturday to halt the abductions. However, the ongoing protests indicate a deep-seated lack of trust in the government’s assurances.

Analysts suggest the protests, described as organic and digitally organized, reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the political transition and a perceived failure to uphold democratic principles. The situation echoes the repressive tactics of previous regimes, raising concerns about a return to Kenya’s darker past. The protests continue to highlight deep concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms within the country.

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