Police in Nairobi fired teargas on Monday to disperse demonstrators protesting against a wave of alleged abductions of government critics. Some protesters were detained during the demonstrations, which human rights groups blame on extrajudicial actions by police and intelligence services.
Dozens of abductions have been reported in recent months, prompting protests in downtown Nairobi, where demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans and held placards condemning illegal detentions. Riot police patrolled on horseback as sit-ins and marches unfolded across the city.
Among those protesting was opposition Senator Okiya Omtatah, who joined a sit-in where demonstrators chained themselves together. Kenyan media reported that Omtatah and 10 other protesters were detained during the protests.
Authorities have denied any involvement in extrajudicial abductions or killings, but the incidents have fueled widespread public outrage.
The protests follow a series of anti-government demonstrations that began in June against proposed tax hikes. The movement has since evolved into a broader challenge to President William Ruto’s administration, becoming one of the biggest threats to his government.