- Police are today bracing for unrest as Gen Zs, alongside human rights groups, take to the streets to demand answers for over 80 abductions which happened this year
- Protesters, mobilizing across all 47 counties, have vowed to occupy streets and social media, accusing the government of failing to ensure security and accountability
- This comes just a few days after President William Ruto vowed to help end the abductions, which he had previously dismissed as ‘fake news’
The streets of Kenya are set to erupt today as Generation Z, backed by human rights organizations, survivors, and activists, stages countrywide protests against a chilling surge in abductions and enforced disappearances.
Demonstrators from all 47 counties will gather to demand justice for over 80 people abducted this year, including more than 10 in December alone.
What began as isolated outcries has swelled into a national movement fueled by frustration and fear. Activist Shakira Wafula encapsulated the mood: “It’s Occupy Everywhere, because the youths who have disappeared come from all walks of life.
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The government must tell us—if they’re not responsible, why are they failing to protect us?”
A Generation on Edge
The protests mark a pivotal moment in Kenya’s recent history, with Gen Z leading the charge.
Lavani Mila, chairperson of the Kikao Movement, declared: “Tomorrow, we will turn out in full force. Everyone must respect the Constitution, and the youths who have been abducted must be released.”
For many, this isn’t just about abductions; it’s about a broader failure of governance.
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Zaha Indimuli, an activist from the End Femicide movement, underscored this sentiment: “We are protesting the government’s failure to act. We do not anticipate any change unless they resign.”
Digital Resistance and Warnings
Protesters plan to amplify their message online, leveraging social media platforms to expose government inaction and demand accountability.
However, tensions within the movement are evident.
Those who once protested in June but have since aligned with the government face warnings from hardline activists.
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Protester Joshua Okayo voiced the determination of those still committed to the cause: “Some of us have been silenced out of fear, but a number of us feel it’s time for change, which is why we remain on the streets.”
A Dangerous Precedent
Today’s protests evoke memories of past demonstrations that ended in bloodshed and mass arrests.
The police, while not officially banning the gatherings, remain a looming threat.
Activists fear that this protest could see history repeat itself unless immediate action is taken to address the demands.
