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Kenyans expressed outrage and defiance last week as a series of abductions targeted prominent activists and individuals critical of the controversial Finance Bill 2024. These incidents coincided with planned demonstrations against the bill, raising concerns about a government crackdown on dissent.
Reports emerged of forceful abductions by unidentified individuals, with some victims later found at police stations. Social media personality Gabriel Oguda’s brother, Zachary Oguda, confirmed his abduction in a tweet: “I can confirm that my brother has been taken by unknown gunmen from his house 5 minutes ago. Any tweets coming from Gabriel Oguda were already scheduled. HE ISN’T SAFE.”
Human rights activist Dr. Austin Omondi also took to social media after his release, stating, “I was abducted incommunicado by the Kenya Police this afternoon and taken in by the NIS while conducting a blood donation drive at the Sikh Union.” Car used was KCU 819H. My family and legal representatives have been denied access to me. I appeal for your support in demanding my immediate release.”
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo urged vigilance as the number of missing persons grew: “We call on all members of the public to be extra vigilant at this time. Let us continue to share and communicate any information you may have to establish the whereabouts of our comrades.”
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir highlighted the disturbing trend with a video showing a young boy’s abduction. “The rate of so-called unknown abductions clearly indicates a return of an era Kenyans had wished away. You cannot silence people through making them disappear. A young boy was abducted today at Bamburi Go Kart and others were abducted in Nairobi. This is definitely not the Kenya we want,” the governor said.
Despite Interior CS Kithure Kindiki’s assurances of respecting protest rights, Kenyans remained undeterred. Online calls for continued demonstrations under the banner “Seven Days of Rage” emphasized a peaceful stance. Popular blogger Pauline Njoroge expressed the growing defiance among protestors in a tweet: “Fear and intimidation won’t work! These tactics will only embolden the movement!”
The abduction of Dr. Omondi, who was organizing a blood drive for injured protestors, further inflamed public anger. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) threatened service shutdowns if their colleague wasn’t released.
Adding to the climate of fear was the reported abduction of Leslie Muturi, son of Attorney General Justin Muturi. His close friends confirmed the news: “Leslie Muturi had been found and released in a police station where he was kidnapped.” Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje revealed in a video that Leslie had been abducted and his car abandoned by the road.
Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi claimed a foiled abduction attempt, tweeting: “I just survived a possible kidnapping attempt by @DCI_Kenya officers. Anyone who stands between the will of the people shall fail. I’m going to be offline. Continue with the struggle!” Others like Shad Khalif remained missing.
The Coast-based Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) condemned the abductions and threatened legal action against the government for violating human rights. “MUHURI strongly condemns the recent wave of abductions executed by the government in an attempt to suppress the planned mass protests by Kenyans today,” the organisation said in a statement. “We warn the government and individual police officers that we will document any human rights violations occurring during today’s protests and will promptly pursue legal action against any perpetrators,” it added.
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