Senator Okiya Omtatah arrested during anti-abductions protests in Nairobi

Omtatah was detained alongside other protesters who were demonstrating along Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi’s city centre. The group, which included activists and concerned citizens, had chained themselves together, sitting on the ground in a symbolic act of resistance.

The chain link created posed challenges for police officers attempting to disperse the protesters. However, a heavy deployment of officers eventually managed to arrest the group, who were bundled into police vehicles and taken away.

The Senator has reportedly been taken to Gigiri Police Station for questioning.

The recent surge in abductions—over 10 reported in December alone and more than 80 cases this year, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)—has sparked nationwide outrage.

Despite government denials, human rights groups, victims, and youth activists called on Kenyans to join the protests in all 47 counties. Demonstrators demanded the immediate release of individuals allegedly abducted by security agents and an end to unlawful arrests.

Among the missing in recent days are activists Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, and Bernard Kavuli, who had shared satirical cartoons and AI-generated images of President William Ruto on social media.

Human rights organizations continue to press for answers, urging authorities to address the abductions and ensure accountability for those involved.