Anti-Tax Demos: At Least 50 Kenyans Abducted, LSK Reports

Faith Odhiambo, LSK President [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

At least 50 Kenyans have been abducted following the ongoing Anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, LSK President Faith Odhiambo says.

Among those abducted are Odhiambo’s personal assistant, Ernest Nyerere, Shadrack Kiprono (aka Shad Khalif), Osama Otero, Gabriel Oguda, John Frank Githiaka (alias Franje), Khalif Kairo, and Drey Mwangi.

In a statement, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) noted that most victims were taken from their residences early Tuesday morning, and their whereabouts remain unknown.

“Extra-judicial killings, police abductions, torture, and being held incommunicado for several days are back like never before! Reports we have received indicate that about 50 young Kenyans have so far been abducted, including my own personal assistant, Ernest Nyerere, who was picked up from his residence this morning at 5:00 AM,” said Odhiambo.

She added that the number might increase as there are many more people yet to be identified.

Amnesty International echoed LSK’s concerns, condemning the recent abductions as violations of human rights intended to instill fear and uncertainty among Kenyans.

The organization called on the government to honor its promise to protect citizens and respect human rights.

These statements follow the anti-tax demonstrations, which have gained momentum across the country, with Kenyans on and off social media terming the controversial bill as punitive.

Today, citizens staged a fresh round of protests against the proposed 2024 Finance Bill, currently under debate in Parliament.

So far, several people have been injured, and others are feared dead. Last week, two individuals succumbed to injuries—one from a live bullet and the other from a tear gas canister that caused fatal bleeding.

Despite the escalating cases of violence, Odhiambo expressed concern over the international community's silence, stating, “I have a message to the international community, which has remained quiet and tight-lipped for the second week running. Are you proud of what is happening in Kenya? Is this your game plan for Kenya as a non-NATO ally?”

Kenyans have vowed to continue with the demonstration until the government heeds their plea.