Protesters plan to block major roads on Monday to demand release of abducted Kenyans

A planned wave of protests is set to disrupt major roads across Nairobi and beyond on Monday as protesters demand the release of six individuals who have been abducted in recent weeks by people believed to be state agents.

According to a post seen by The Eastleigh Voice, the demonstrators, angered by the increasing cases of abductions, plan to block key routes such as Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, Jogoo Road, Lang’ata Road, Ngong Road, Kiambu Road, and Limuru Road.

The protests, scheduled to coincide with the reopening of schools for the first term of 2025, are expected to be the first major demonstration of the year, marking a tough new year start for President William Ruto’s administration.

Protesters have vowed to block all transportation until the abducted individuals are safely released.

Among the missing Kenyans is 24-year-old Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, who was abducted outside a barber shop in Embu town on December 21, 2024. His mother, Regina Wairimu Mwangi, was hospitalised shortly after due to emotional distress.

Other victims of the ongoing abductions include Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet, Rony Kiplagat, Steve Kivango, and Kelvin Muthoni.

“Monday, occupy all the major roads. Shule hazifunguliwi (schools will not open) Monday. Why should some children go to school while others are missing or have been abducted?” asked Osama Otero in a post on X.

Oduok, another activist, encouraged protesters to take action from Sunday night.

“We are doing it for Kibet and other abducted comrades,” he said.

Clinton, another X user, explained the strategy behind the widespread occupation: “Occupying all major roads makes sense in a way; everything needs to be paralysed for them to open their eyes, maybe.”

Kendi Majau urged a coordinated but widespread protest.

Holding government accountable

While the police have denied any involvement in the abductions, Kenyans have insisted on holding the government accountable for the missing individuals.

Martin Levix, another X user, criticised the government for failing to protect its citizens, calling for the resignation of President Ruto’s administration.

“A government that has failed to protect its citizens has no right to continue serving. Even if they threaten us, even if they call us names, we are not backing down,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Victor Patience Oyuko.

“Our youth are being found dead in forests and rivers, while others remain missing without a trace. This cannot continue. These abductions must end in one way or another.”

The protests come amid ongoing legal action.

On Monday, the High Court issued a habeas corpus order requiring the six abductees to be presented in court by 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, unless there is a valid justification for their detention.

The court also issued a conservatory order preventing the police and other authorities from prosecuting the victims without its approval.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, named as the first respondent in the case, was summoned to court to explain the whereabouts of the missing individuals. However, he did not appear in person and instead sent a representative.

Senior Counsel Martha Karua, who is representing the victims, criticised the delay in responding to the court’s directives.

“A habeas corpus application is urgent, and it is alarming that the respondents are requesting seven more days to file affidavits. The question is simple: do you have them? If so, produce them. Security agents cannot claim ignorance,” she said.

Karua urged the court to stick to the original hearing date of January 3, 2025, warning that any delays would cause further distress for the affected families.

“Asking for more time is effectively wishing these families ill. By January 3, it will already be 10 days since the order,” she argued.

The court, however, set the hearing date for January 8 and instructed that if the abductees are located in the interim, they must be presented at the nearest High Court without delay.