Police lob tear gas as protesters hit Nairobi streets over increased abduction cases

Police in Nairobi on Monday lobbed tear gas at protesters demonstrating in the city centre over rising cases of abduction and enforced disappearance of government critics.

Officers tried to disperse protesters at the Aga Khan Walk by lobbing tear gas at them moments before midday.

As of 1 p.m., however, protesters had gathered again and sat on the street, chanting and displaying placards calling for the release of abductees.

In some sections of the city centre such as along Moi Avenue, there was relative calm in the afternoon; earlier in the day, a heavy police contingent dispersed protesters who marched and blew whistles.

The recent surge in abductions—over 10 in December alone and more than 80 throughout the year, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)—has sparked outrage across Kenya.

Despite government denials, human rights groups, victims, and youth activists had called on Kenyans to join Monday’s protests in all 47 counties to demand the release of those abducted by security agents and an end to the ongoing arrests.

Activists Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru and Bernard Kavuli, who shared cartoons and A.I.-generated images of President Ruto on social media, are among those reported missing in recent days.

Forer deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has claimed a secret government unit is responsible for the abductions.

Meanwhile, the protesters have warned they will also use online platforms to voice their outrage.