Civil society groups in Kisumu, comprising human rights defenders, social justice movements, youth leaders, university student leaders, and active citizens, have issued a 21-day protest notice, demanding immediate government action on escalating abduction cases and the delayed reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Led by Ricky Muga of the Kisumu Peace and Justice Centre, the groups condemned the government’s failure to address the spate of abductions, including the recent disappearance of Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi, despite President William Ruto’s promises to end such incidents.
“We gather today not only to raise our collective voices against the escalating realities of abductions but also to protest the Kenyan government’s inability to protect its citizens,” Muga declared in a statement.
The activists expressed solidarity with the families of abducted Kenyans, decrying the government’s inaction and highlighting survivors’ harrowing accounts of enforced disappearances and torture, which they described as deliberate attempts to silence dissent.
IEBC Reconstitution Criticized
The group also criticized the government for delaying the reconstitution of the IEBC, accusing officials of undermining electoral integrity and boundary delineation, essential for effective representation.
“The intentional delay to reconstitute the IEBC compromises the integrity of our upcoming general elections,” the activists said, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action.
Demands and Warning
The civil society groups have outlined key demands, including:
- Resignation of the Inspector General of Police for failing to protect Kenyans.
- Immediate reconstitution of the IEBC to ensure electoral integrity and fairness.
- Adherence to Article 3(1) of the Constitution, which mandates all citizens to respect, uphold, and defend the law.
A candlelight vigil and memorial service will be held on January 15, 2025, at New St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Milimani) in Kisumu at 2 PM to honor missing Kenyans and those who have lost their lives.
The groups warned of mass protests across the country if their demands are not met within the 21-day deadline, urging businesses, religious institutions, and the international community to stand in solidarity.
“We declare total war on anyone masquerading as police without identification. Such individuals will be treated as criminals,” the groups stated.
