Kenyans living in Australia stage protests calling for an end to abductions

Kenyans living in Australia on Monday gathered to protest against the rise in abductions in Kenya.

The group, from Darwin, Australia, took to the streets urging the Kenyan government to take decisive action to end these human rights violations.

This movement highlights the growing concern among Kenyans abroad about the safety and human rights of their fellow citizens back home.

The campaign seeks to draw global attention to the plight of those who have been forcibly abducted due to political reasons.

Kenyans in Darwin, Australia, joined the #EndAbductionKe protests, chanting "Ruto Must Go!" in solidarity with those in Kenya calling for an end to abductions.

They are urging other Kenyans abroad to unite in demanding the release of those unlawfully detained and an end to… pic.twitter.com/whGWTXxbFF

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The rally brought together a group of Kenyan expatriates who voiced their frustrations over the worsening trend of abductions, particularly those criticising President William Ruto.

Protesters carried banners calling for an end to forced disappearances and demanded that President Ruto and his government take decisive action to end these abuses.

"We are here to send a message that we are not happy that our youth are being abducted,  we are not happy with the economy in  Kenya," said the protesters.

This campaign is fueled by a deep concern for the well-being of the families of those who were abducted. The protesters urged the government to empower the youths instead of abducting them.

Many of the abductions are believed to be politically motivated, with victims often disappearing without a trace, leading to widespread fear and uncertainty among the public.

Opposition leaders led by Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka have demanded the release of all youth who have been abducted and detained illegally in the last three months.

"We the People's Loyal Opposition demand that all 82 youth who have been abducted in the last three months be released and returned to their families immediately. We also demand that all the 29 missing youth whose whereabouts are unaccounted for be accounted for, forthwith," Kalonzo said.

In Nairobi, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the Central Business District. While the protesters maintained they were unarmed and peaceful as they vowed to carry on with their demos, police demanded that they go home, saying they did not have a permit.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is closely observing the nationwide protests related to abductions and enforced disappearances occurring throughout the country.

Human rights organisations and activists have raised alarms about the government's failure to investigate and address these disappearances, which have been occurring with disturbing frequency.