Police Deployed in Nairobi Ahead of #EndAbductionsKe Protests

NAIROBI, Kenya – Dozens of uniformed and plainclothes police officers were deployed across Nairobi on Monday morning to monitor planned protests against abductions and enforced disappearances, an issue that has sparked outrage nationwide.

By 9 a.m., small groups of protesters had gathered on a few streets in the capital, with authorities maintaining a visible yet restrained presence.

Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei confirmed the deployment, saying, “We have seen a few individuals on the streets and are just monitoring the situation.”

The demonstrations, organized by human rights groups, activists, and survivors of abductions, aim to pressure the government into addressing an alarming increase in forced disappearances.

Over 80 cases of abductions have been reported this year, with more than 10 incidents occurring in December alone.

Organizers vowed that protests would proceed in all 47 counties despite assurances from police that they would not disrupt the gatherings unless instructed otherwise.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mulele Ingonga, has ordered an urgent investigation into the abductions.

In a directive issued Sunday, Ingonga instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to submit their findings by January 1, 2025.

“I am concerned with reports of abductions and forced disappearances,” the DPP said. “The state has an obligation to protect and preserve the right to life and security of the person, as outlined in our Constitution.”

High-profile cases like those of cartoonist Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull, and others such as Steve Mbisi and Billy Mwangi, have drawn intense public scrutiny.

President William Ruto, speaking over the weekend, vowed to end the wave of abductions, framing the issue as a matter of restoring public trust in the nation’s security forces.

“All cases of abduction will be dealt with. We will end it so that our youth can live in peace and have faith in security agencies,” Ruto said.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga echoed these concerns, urging the government to act swiftly.

“The cases of young people being arrested carelessly, handcuffed, and tortured must stop. Those responsible should be brought to book,” Odinga stated.

Monday’s demonstrations represent a culmination of frustration from families and communities affected by the disappearances.

Organizers say their demands are clear: the release of those believed to have been abducted, an end to arbitrary arrests, and transparency in the investigations.