A new wave of nationwide protests could soon erupt after the families of three missing activists—Davis Lichuma, Macmillan Kiari, and Abdulaziz Molo, also known as Zizo—issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding that their loved ones be released immediately.
Speaking during a press conference held on Saturday, June 28, the families expressed deep concern over the disappearance of the three activists and warned that they would organize mass demonstrations across the country if the government failed to reveal their whereabouts within the next 24 hours.
The announcement has added fresh pressure on President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration, which has continued to face criticism over alleged cases of enforced disappearances and abductions.
One of the parents said the families had exhausted all available options in trying to locate their children but had received no meaningful information from the authorities.
The emotional parent said they were living in fear and uncertainty, not knowing whether their children were safe or even alive.
“At the moment, we do not know where our children are, and we are extremely worried about them. We are calling on the government to release them immediately.
If that does not happen, we will have no choice but to begin countrywide mass action,” the parent said.
Davis Lichuma’s mother, Margaret Lichuma, shared an emotional account of the last time she saw her son before he disappeared.
She explained that Lichuma visited her on June 24, just one day before he went missing. During the visit, he reportedly asked her to pray for him because he understood that his activism exposed him to danger and possible arrest.
According to Margaret, she later received information on June 25 indicating that her son had been arrested. She was advised to report the matter at Pangani Police Station in Nairobi, hoping she would find him there.
However, despite following the instructions and seeking answers from the authorities, she has not been able to trace her son’s whereabouts.
She also revealed that Lichuma had previously suffered a stab wound to his abdomen, raising serious concerns about his health and whether he is receiving the medical treatment he requires while being held.
The family fears that if he is indeed in custody, his medical condition could worsen without proper care.
Another family also addressed the disappearance of activist Macmillan Kiari, popularly known as Maxy. They explained that he went missing on June 20 while leaving his home to report to work.
CCTV footage reportedly captured a vehicle without number plates stopping outside his gate before several individuals picked him up and drove away.
Since that day, his family says they have had no communication with him and do not know where he is being held.
Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi strongly criticized the government over the disappearances, accusing security agencies of operating unlawful squads that target government critics and young activists.
He claimed that Davis Lichuma was arrested during the Gen Z Mashujaa Day demonstrations before being transferred from an officially recognized police station by individuals allegedly linked to a rogue police unit.
Mwangi alleged that the officers involved use unmarked Subaru vehicles, conceal their identities by wearing masks, and have been associated with violent operations against peaceful protesters.
He maintained that after Lichuma was removed from lawful police custody, he disappeared without any official explanation.
“We demand the immediate release of Davis Lichuma. It is deeply worrying that cases of abductions and torture appear to be returning despite repeated promises that such actions would end,” Mwangi said.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who attended the press briefing to support the affected families, also condemned the alleged disappearances and accused the government of ignoring constitutional principles.
He argued that law enforcement officers must always operate within the law and respect the rights guaranteed under Kenya’s Constitution.
Maraga further noted that although the government continues to state that the country’s economy is improving, many ordinary Kenyans are still struggling with the rising cost of living, unemployment, and other economic hardships.
He said these challenges have driven many young people to organize peaceful demonstrations, a right that is protected by the Constitution.
According to Maraga, instead of protecting citizens’ constitutional freedoms, the authorities have responded by arresting protesters, carrying out alleged abductions, and using excessive force against demonstrators.
He emphasized that peaceful protests should never be met with violence or unlawful actions by state agencies.
His remarks came as the Ministry of Interior confirmed that a total of 355 people had been arrested in connection with the June 25 protests held across different parts of the country.
Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests, with 161 individuals taken into custody, highlighting the extensive security operation mounted during the demonstrations.
The latest ultimatum by the families has increased political tension and raised concerns that another round of nationwide protests could begin if the missing activists are not produced within the deadline.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups are also expected to continue demanding accountability and transparency from the government over the reported disappearances.
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