Nairobi, Kenya, Dec 30 – Police clashed with protesters in Nairobi on Monday after demonstrations erupted over the ongoing abductions of critics of President William Ruto’s government.

Protesters gathered at Aga Khan Walk, calling for the release of several young people who have gone missing, including Bill Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet (also known as Kibet Bull), and his brother Ronny Kiplagat. These individuals were allegedly abducted by unknown assailants.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah joined the protests, which were met by anti-riot police forces throughout the day. A similar protest took place in Mombasa, although it was called off after police assured demonstrators that no abductions had occurred in the region.

Omtatah had earlier filed a habeas corpus petition in the High Court, demanding the immediate release of the missing individuals. He petitioned the court to compel the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Criminal Investigations, and the Director of Public Prosecutions to produce the individuals before the court.

Pressure on the government to address the issue intensified, with Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga adding his voice to the calls for an end to the abductions, urging the state to protect the sanctity of life and human dignity.