Human rights activists and youth on Monday December 30, 2024 continued to mobilize citizens to join planned nationwide demonstrations against ongoing abductions in the country.

On Monday morning, organizers of the protests argued that the demonstrations are aimed at pressuring the government to release those believed to have been abducted.

The hashtag #MondayIsMonday trended on X (formerly Twitter) from Sunday as youth, commonly referred to as Gen Z and lobby groups expressed their anger over the increasing abductions, targeting critics of the Kenya Kwanza government.

According to the notice circulating on social media, citizens interested in joining protests should carry with them placards, bottles of water and handkerchiefs.

The protests are expected to take place in Nairobi and other parts of the country, as the notices read “occupy everywhere”. 

Reports indicate that over 10 abduction cases have been reported in December alone and more than 80 throughout the year.

However, the government has denied any involvement of security agancies in the alleged abductions, emphasizing that police are investigating the matter.

Shakira Wafula, activist, commented: “It’s Occupy Everywhere, because the youths who have disappeared come from all walks of life. This month alone, 12 youths have been abducted. The government needs to tell us—if they are not responsible, why are they not providing security?”

Activist Odhiambo Jiro posated, “As we enter the new year, we urge all Kenyans to rise up, organize, and express our displeasure through these protests.”

Meanwhile, the protest organizers vowed to mobilize Kenyans across all 47 counties and the diaspora to demand the release of abducted individuals.