Police in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters rallying against a surge of unexplained abductions targeting government critics.
Human rights groups report that dozens of Kenyans have been abducted in recent months, pointing fingers at the police and intelligence services for these alleged extrajudicial actions.
While the government denies any involvement in such activities, tensions continue to rise as public frustration mounts.
Protesters, including opposition lawmaker Okiya Omtatah, staged sit-ins and marched through downtown Nairobi, chanting anti-government slogans and holding placards denouncing illegal detentions.
Riot police, some on horseback, patrolled the streets as clouds of tear gas filled the air.
Omtatah and at least 10 other protesters were reportedly detained during the demonstration.
Protesters used thick chains to bind themselves together, resisting efforts by riot police to disperse them.
These abductions are believed to be linked to ongoing anti-government protests that began in June over proposed tax hikes.
The demonstrations have since transformed into a broader movement, uniting Kenyans across ethnic lines and posing a significant challenge to President William Ruto’s administration.
