Youths have stormed Jevanjee Gardens to honor individuals who were shot during the protests moments after the former Member of Parliament for Nandi Hills, Alfred Kiptoo Keter, was reportedly abducted in Lavington, Nairobi.
Keter, who has had a penchant for controversy and has been very blunt in his opinions, has been very critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration. He has recently associated himself with gen Z protests, a youth-led protest calling for drastic changes and reforms, and a new way of leadership.
Such support for these protests has drawn him a lot of praise from the youths of Kenya, although he has possibly exposed himself to the wrath of those against the movement.
Those who knew him claim that the last time Keter was seen was when he was in church worship and was later kidnapped by unknown people. Posts on social media include videos of men in civilian attire forcing Keter into a black ‘getaway’ vehicle.
The video has gone viral and people are urging the police to take swift action. Similarly, a large number of youths gathered at Jevanjee Gardens for a rally in memory of those who died in the recent Finance Bill protests.
What was supposed to be a commemorative event transformed into a protest rally supporting Keter and condemning his kidnap. People shouted ‘Justice for Keter’ and ‘Free Keter’ while some held flags and banners demanding for the release of Keter. The situation remains tense as citizens wait for a response from the Kenya Police Service.
The social media activism is also realized through the use of the hashtag #FreeKeter, which shows that the public wants answers. Political experts expressed concern that this could provoke new clashes between the authorities and the opposition increasing the polarization of an already split society.