Nairobi, Kenya - December 30, 2024 Nationwide protests have erupted across Kenya, fueled by public outrage over alleged abductions of government critics. Demonstrators clashed with police in several cities, with authorities using tear gas to disperse crowds in Nairobi. At least 53 protesters, including prominent figures like opposition lawmaker Okiya Omtatah and former presidential candidate Reuben Kigame, were arrested during Monday's demonstrations, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). Rights groups have condemned the police's violent response, describing the arrests as arbitrary and the crackdown as excessive. Over the weekend, President William Ruto pledged to end the abductions, marking a shift from his earlier dismissal of the claims as “fake news.” KNCHR has called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained during the protests, as well as individuals abducted in previous incidents.