Since the anti-Finance Bill protests commenced on June 18, 2024, numerous protesters have faced arrests and abductions.
Victims have been taken by plainclothes police officers to undisclosed locations, escalating concerns about the government’s tactics to quell dissent.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has strongly condemned these abductions.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, KHRC declared that such actions are unconstitutional and violate the democratic rights of Kenyan citizens.
The commission criticized President William Ruto’s administration for employing underhanded methods to suppress the nationwide protests, suggesting that the government was intimidated by the protesters’ resolve.
“Abducting or arresting citizens for exercising their democratic rights is unconstitutional,” the KHRC statement read. “We call for the immediate release of all abducted individuals.”
Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo addressed the press on Tuesday, revealing that at least eight social media influencers and activists remain missing.
“The missing individuals are Gabriel Oguda, John Frank Ngemi, Shadrack Kiprono, Ray Mwangi, Nyerere Earnest, Kevin Munari, Harriet Nyongesa, and Zadock Machaveli,” Madzayo said.
“These young people were participating in demonstrations and speaking out against the Finance Bill, but were subsequently detained,” he added.
While some social media influencers and activists were released following intense public and social media pressure, the fate of others remains uncertain.
The continued disappearances have sparked widespread outrage and calls for the protection of civil liberties.
Below is the full list persons who have been abducted so far:
1. Gabriel Oguda (still missing)
2. John Frank Ngemi (still missing)
3. Shadrack Kiprono aka Shad Khalif (still missing)
4. Ray Mwangi (still missing)
5. Nyerere Earnest (still missing)
6. Kevin Munari (still missing)
7. Harriet Nyongesa (still missing)
8. Zadock Machaveli (still missing)
9, Leslie Muturi, the son of Attorney General (AG) Justin Muturi (abducted on Saturday, June 22, 2024, released on Sunday)
10. Billy Simani aka Crazy Nairobian (Billy the GOAT)Â – was abducted on June 21, 2024 released the next day.
11. Dr. Austin Omondi aka Ja Prado abducted on Sunday, June 23, 2024, released hours later.
Protests
The anti-Finance Bill protests, which began on June 18, 2024, have seen thousands of Kenyans from various cities and towns, including Nairobi and Mombasa, taking to the streets.
The demonstrations, organized via social media, reflect the public’s dissatisfaction with the proposed bill, which includes significant tax hikes.
Protesters have also been vocal about police brutality and the need for government accountability.
Despite a strong police presence, the protests have persisted, with demonstrators vowing to hold government-allied politicians accountable in the upcoming general election.
The protests are part of a broader movement dubbed ‘7 days of rage’, aimed at resisting the Finance Bill’s progression through Parliament.
The demonstrators argue that the bill is being imposed against the will of the people and seek to honour those who have been affected by police actions during previous protests.
As the situation unfolds, the tension between the government and the protesters continues to mount, with international attention and condemnation growing in response to the abductions and arrests.
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