A coalition of civil society organizations and a group of concerned youths from Kisumu have issued a 21-day strike notice, warning the government to act decisively on the escalating abductions and the long-awaited reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The group, led by renowned human rights activist Ricky Muga of the Kisumu Peace and Justice Centre, is demanding immediate action.
The coalition has condemned the government’s inaction in tackling the surge of abductions that have swept across the country in recent months, arguing that the current administration has failed to fulfill its promise of ensuring the safety of Kenyan citizens.
They also expressed outrage over the recent abduction of Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi, which occurred just weeks after President William Ruto vowed to take swift measures to halt the rising cases of enforced disappearances.
“This is absurd and deeply troubling,” said Muga during a press briefing in Kisumu.
“The abduction of Maria Sarungi sends a chilling message about the state of human rights in Kenya, especially after the President’s assurances to the public. It is clear that this government is either unwilling or unable to protect its citizens from such grave violations.”
The activists have also raised concerns about the delay in reconstituting the IEBC, a body that plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections in the country.
They have termed the continued delay as “malicious” and a deliberate attempt to undermine the democratic process.
The government’s failure to act, they argue, threatens the integrity of future elections.
In a bid to further amplify their concerns, the group is organizing a vigil this Sunday to stand in solidarity with the victims of abductions and to protest the government’s heavy-handed tactics during recent demonstrations.
The vigil, which will be held at Kisumu’s central square, is expected to attract thousands of Kenyans who share the group’s demands for justice and accountability.
“We are calling on all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation, to join us this Sunday. This is not just about the victims of abductions, but about the future of our nation. If we allow these injustices to continue unchecked, we are failing ourselves and future generations,” Muga added.
The strike notice, if upheld, would mark a major escalation in the ongoing protests and demands for justice that have been seen across the country in recent months.
As the 21-day deadline approaches, the pressure is mounting on the government to address the rising tide of public discontent and take meaningful steps to restore public trust.
With both the issue of abductions and the reconstitution of the IEBC dominating national discourse, the coming days could see a significant shift in Kenya’s political landscape.
Whether the government will respond in time to avert a nationwide strike remains to be seen.
