Kenyans slam spectator culture as alleged abduction video sparks outrage

Kenyans have expressed their frustration and disbelief after a viral video showed a person allegedly being abducted in broad daylight while bystanders watched without intervening.

The video of the incident along Magadi Road in Ongata Rongai, widely shared on social media, has sparked a national conversation about the public's inaction during such critical moments.

Social media users took to platforms like Instagram to vent their anger and question why onlookers failed to act as the abduction unfolded.

"People will demonstrate on the streets but watch like it's a movie when the act is happening," Eugene black said.

Others expressed a similar sentiment, pointing out the irony of Kenyans protesting injustices while remaining passive during emergencies.

"We need to do better as a nation. That person was abducted in broad daylight as we watched. Why didn't anyone do something?" lamented Wairima Maina.

The reactions highlighted a deep-seated frustration with the increasing frequency of such incidents and the apparent desensitization of the public.

"Why are people just watching? Block that car, don't let it move!" Kikombe said.

"Please help him. He is being abducted!" A lady pleads with fellow Kenyans to help stop a young man forcibly being picked up by unknown armed men in a Suzuki sedan Reg No. KCS 079K in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado today afternoon pic.twitter.com/NUDdIBiYx0

— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) January 10, 2025

Some called for a change in how both citizens and authorities handle such situations. "Kenyans talk a lot without action," Khadija remarked.

Others, like Kananu Claudia, criticised the misuse of power, saying, "Too much power in the hands of people who don't know what they're doing. What is this?"

The whereabouts of at least 25 victims of suspected abduction and enforced disappearances, who have been missing since June 2024, at the height of youth-led anti-government protests, remain unknown.

In its latest report released in late December, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said at least 82 cases of abductions had been reported since June 2024, with 29 of these cases not yet resolved.

Also, a recent State of National Security report presented in Parliament highlights that Kenya has seen a worrying 44 per cent increase in kidnappings and abductions between September 2023 and August 2024.

The report which President William Ruto delivered during his State of the Nation Address in November 2024, reveals that the country recorded a total of 52 kidnapping cases during the period, compared to 36 in the previous year.

The surge in such crimes has been felt across the country, with incidents reported in all eight regions: Nairobi, Rift Valley, Coast, Eastern, Western, Nyanza, Central, and North Eastern.