Outcry Over Abductions of Anti-Finance Bill Protesters
PHOTO: Kenyan Police
Kenyans online are expressing widespread outrage over the increasing incidents of police abductions targeting activists and protesters who have been vocal against the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
Activists Abducted Ahead of Nationwide Protests
Reports circulating on social media indicate that several prominent figures within the youth-led movement planning Tuesday’s nationwide demonstrations have been forcefully taken into custody. Among those reported missing is Gabriel Oguda, a well-known social commentator and vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration. According to his brother, Zachary Oguda, Gabriel was abducted from his residence in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The family’s distress was palpable in Zachary’s online post, where he also mentioned concerns about Gabriel’s safety.
Others reportedly abducted include individuals associated with influential social media platforms like the X pages, such as Franje, Drey Mwangi, and Osama Otero. These incidents have sparked fear and anger among supporters of the protests, with many taking to social media to demand the immediate release of those detained.
Legal and Civil Society Responses
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly condemned these abductions, characterizing them as a return to authoritarian tactics reminiscent of darker periods in Kenya’s history. LSK President Faith Odhiambo issued a scathing statement denouncing what she described as the government’s repressive and clandestine actions aimed at stifling dissent against the Finance Bill 2024. She vowed that the LSK would pursue legal action against those responsible for orchestrating these abductions.
Releases Amid Public Outcry
Despite the grim situation, there have been instances where public pressure has led to the release of some detainees. Dr. Austin Omondi, known by his alias Ja Prado, was released on Sunday night following widespread public outcry. His arrest occurred while he was coordinating a blood donation drive for injured protesters at the Sikh Union along Nairobi’s Forest Road. Similarly, Billy Simani, popularly known as Crazy Nairobian, was released from police custody on Saturday evening after being detained the previous day.
Human Rights Concerns and Advocacy
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) joined the chorus of condemnation, highlighting the disturbing trend of abductions carried out predominantly at night by plainclothes police officers using unmarked vehicles. The KHRC emphasized that these tactics are intended to intimidate and deter individuals from participating in future peaceful demonstrations urging Members of Parliament to reject the Finance Bill 2024.
Calls for Action and Continued Protests
In response to these developments, both the LSK and the KHRC have called for the unconditional release of all individuals unlawfully detained. Meanwhile, preparations continue for the nationwide #TotalShutdownKE strike scheduled for Tuesday. This strike aims to exert pressure on lawmakers to reject the Finance Bill during the upcoming parliamentary sessions this week.
Impact and Public Reaction
Amid the escalating tensions and government crackdown on dissent, the public reaction has been one of defiance mixed with apprehension. While some segments of society applaud the courage of protesters speaking out against what they view as unjust economic policies, others express concern over the potential for further escalation and violence.
As Kenya braces for the nationwide demonstrations and strike, the abductions of activists and the ensuing public outcry have intensified the debate over the Finance Bill 2024. The government’s response to the protests and the fate of those detained will likely shape the country’s political landscape and civil liberties discourse in the days and weeks ahead.
