The streets of Nairobi and other major towns in Kenya erupted in protests on Monday, December 30, 2024, as citizens took to the streets to demand action over the alarming spate of abductions that have rocked the nation.
From Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to the coastal city of Mombasa and even as far as Australia, voices rose in unison, chanting anti-abduction and anti-government slogans. The protests were met with heavy police resistance, resulting in chaotic scenes, arrests, and a palpable sense of unrest across the country.
The demonstrations were sparked by widespread outrage following reports of over five Kenyans disappearing mysteriously in December alone. Among those reported missing are:
- Steve Mbisi from Machakos
- Billy Mwangi from Embu
- Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Gideon Kibet (Kibet Bull) from Nairobi
- Rony Kiplang’at from Kiambu
These cases add to the tally of 29 individuals who went missing during the June Anti-Finance Bill protests and remain unaccounted for, according to a report by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC).
Minute-by-Minute Developments
06:00 AM: Solidarity From Abroad
In an extraordinary display of international support, Kenyans living in Australia convened early Monday morning to condemn the abductions. Chanting “Ruto Must Go,” they demanded the immediate release of all missing persons. Videos circulated online showed protestors holding placards and marching in solidarity with their counterparts back home.
09:00 AM: Tensions Build in Mombasa
Protestors in Mombasa attempted to assemble outside the Law Courts but were met with fierce police resistance. Footage from the scene depicted anti-riot officers confronting demonstrators and forcibly bundling vocal leaders into police vehicles.
11:45 AM: Nairobi Braces for Impact
As the protests gained momentum, heavy police presence was noted in Nairobi’s CBD. Water cannons were stationed at strategic locations, including KICC grounds, while roadblocks were set up on major highways, preventing matatus from accessing the city center. Kenyatta Avenue, a key artery, was among the affected routes.
12:45 PM: Teargas in the CBD
The situation escalated along Aga Khan Walk when police used teargas to disperse peaceful protestors holding placards. Demonstrators quickly regrouped, refusing to be deterred by the heavy-handed tactics.
01:00 PM: Running Battles in Embu
In Embu, protests turned chaotic as police and residents clashed in running battles. Teargas filled the air as officers attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to heightened tensions in the town’s CBD.
01:36 PM: Arrest of Reuben Kigame in Eldoret
Former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame briefly found himself on the wrong side of the law as he attempted to lead protests in Eldoret. His arrest was met with outrage from onlookers, but he was released shortly afterward under unclear circumstances.
01:45 PM: Nairobi Police Commander Heckled
Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei faced a hostile crowd when he tried to address protestors in the CBD. Chants drowned out his speech, with demonstrators accusing authorities of negligence and complicity in the abductions.
02:15 PM: Arrest of Senator Okiya Omtatah
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, a vocal critic of the government, was among several individuals arrested during the protests. He was apprehended after chaining himself to a government vehicle while chanting anti-abduction slogans. His arrest has intensified public scrutiny of the government’s response to the crisis.
02:25 PM: Protestors Regroup in Mombasa
Despite earlier police efforts to quell the protests, demonstrators in Mombasa regrouped and gathered outside the Law Courts, showing resilience in their call for justice.
The government has remained largely silent on the abductions, further fueling public outrage. Security agencies have dismissed claims of their involvement, but human rights organizations and activists argue that the disappearances bear the hallmarks of extrajudicial actions.
Attempts by authorities to control the narrative, including deploying roadblocks and using teargas, have only deepened the public’s mistrust. The arrest of high-profile figures like Senator Okiya Omtatah and Reuben Kigame has added to the protests’ visibility, both locally and internationally.
The protests underscore the growing frustration among Kenyans over perceived government inaction. Social media platforms have been inundated with hashtags like #StopTheAbductions and #ReleaseOurPeople, amplifying the voices of those demanding accountability.
Activists are also urging international bodies to intervene, calling for pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to uphold human rights and ensure the safe return of the missing individuals.
As the protests rage on, it remains to be seen how the government will address the mounting calls for justice. Will authorities launch credible investigations into the abductions, or will they continue to dismiss the protests as politically motivated?
For now, the streets of Kenya remain a battleground, with citizens determined to keep the spotlight on the missing, even in the face of teargas, arrests, and intimidation. The fight for justice has begun, and Kenyans are making it clear: they will not be silenced.
