30 Dec 2024 | 08:14 AM UTC
Kenya: Activists plan nationwide protests over alleged police abductions Dec. 30
Opposition activists plan protests in Kenya Dec. 30 to demand liberation of protesters allegedly abducted by police. Disruptions likely.
Opposition activists have called for nationwide protests across Kenya under the slogan #EndAbductionsKE Dec. 30. They are demanding that authorities release activists who were allegedly abducted by police forces for protesting against incumbent President William Ruto's government. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports that 82 people have been abducted since the start of protests in June. No specific locations have been announced; activists have called for mobilizations in all 47 counties and abroad. Thousands could likely join protest movements; demonstrations are especially likely in large urban areas such as Nairobi and Mombasa.
Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence along key thoroughfares, near government buildings, and near any protest activity that materializes. In Nairobi, tight security is especially probable in the Central Business District (CBD), State House, Parliament building, and along Mombasa and Airport roads. Security forces may establish checkpoints to prevent protesters from gathering. Transport disruptions are probable, especially if participants march on or block roadways. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators are likely; authorities are generally quick to use force in dispersing protests. Telecommunications disruptions are possible. Protests may continue over the coming days.
Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks set up by protesters. Plan accordingly for disruptions to transport, business operations, and telecommunications services. Confirm the status of driving routes shortly before travel. Heed instructions issued by local authorities. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building. Maintain contact with your home government's diplomatic mission.
Weekly protests occured across Kenya between June-October 2024, originally demanding the wthdrawal of a controversial Finance Bill. Despite President Ruto implementing a series of changes - including appointing new cabinet members, implementing austerity measures to reduce government expenditure such as budget cuts, travel restrictions, removal of confidential budgets in Executive offices, reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 percent, and dissolution of at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions - protests continued, with activists calling for the president's resignation.
