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Africa News of Saturday, 29 June 2024

    

Source: BBC

Kenya protesters traumatised by abductions - lawyer

The heavy-handed nature of the crackdown on protesters has been criticised by rights groups The heavy-handed nature of the crackdown on protesters has been criticised by rights groups

Anti-tax protesters in Kenya have been left traumatized after abductions by an intelligence police unit.

Around 35 suspected protest leaders were taken during demonstrations against a controversial finance bill, now dropped. While most abductees have been released, the Law Society of Kenya reports 10 activists are still missing.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura defended the police, citing threats of a coup. Protesters described horrific conditions during their detainment. President William Ruto withdrew the bill and pledged to end state-instigated abductions.

Despite his claims of release, rights groups dispute this. The protests, largely youth-led, saw at least 23 killed by police.

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