
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has been arrested for his involvement in protests against the rising cases of abductions and enforced disappearances of government critics.
Omtatah was detained alongside other protesters on Monday along Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi’s city center.
The group, which included activists and concerned citizens, had chained themselves together in a symbolic act of resistance, making it difficult for police to disperse them. However, a heavy police presence eventually led to their arrest, with officers bundling the protesters into police vehicles.
Senator Omtatah has reportedly been taken to Gigiri Police Station for questioning.
The recent surge in reported abductions—over 10 in December alone and more than 80 cases throughout the year, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)—has ignited nationwide outrage. Despite government denials, human rights groups, victims, and youth activists have urged Kenyans to join protests in all 47 counties. Demonstrators are demanding the immediate release of individuals allegedly abducted by security agents and an end to unlawful arrests.
Among those reported missing recently are activists Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti Njeru, and Bernard Kavuli, who had shared satirical content about President William Ruto on social media.
Human rights organizations continue to call for accountability, urging authorities to address the abduction crisis and ensure justice for victims and their families.