Kenya police used tear gas against protesters in Nairobi rallying against alleged government abductions of critics. Rights groups report numerous disappearances blamed on police. Protests, growing from initial tax disputes, now signify broader dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s administration. Opposition figures call for justice, while government pledges to halt abductions.
On Monday, police in Nairobi employed tear gas to disperse demonstrators opposing a surge of alleged abductions of government critics. Human rights organizations have reported numerous cases of abductions, attributing them to police and intelligence services. Amidst the chaos, protesters, including Opposition lawmaker Okiya Omtatah, voiced their concerns over the government’s alleged extrajudicial actions and called for justice for those missing. The protests, which started as a reaction to proposed tax hikes, now represent a broader discontent with President William Ruto’s administration. Ruto has vowed to eliminate these abductions to ensure citizens, especially youths, can live without fear. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights highlighted the alarming reality of 82 kidnappings since the antigovernment protests began in June, reinforcing the grievances of the demonstrators.
The backdrop of the protests in Nairobi highlights a growing sense of unrest in Kenya, particularly among young people who feel threatened by what they perceive as oppressive government actions. Over the past months, numerous allegations of abductions have emerged, leading rights groups to express concern about Kenya regressing to a period characterized by the disappearances of dissenters. The protests began as a response to tax increases but evolved into a broader movement addressing systemic issues related to governance and human rights under President Ruto. The situation is exacerbated by the actions of government forces against social media users and activists who criticize government policies.
The protests in Nairobi reflect deep-seated frustrations regarding government practices, notably alleged abductions of critics. With the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights documenting significant numbers of disappearances, the demonstrations signify a collective demand for accountability and respect for human rights. Opposition members, such as Okiya Omtatah, are leading calls for government intervention to address these grievances, pointing to a broader push for justice and effective governance amidst fears of escalating violence and repression.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
