One dies in fresh Nairobi protests after abduction claims

A protest in Nairobi's Mathare informal settlement turned deadly on Tuesday, with one person shot dead and two others wounded during clashes between locals and police. The demonstrations were sparked by the alleged abduction of two activists by security forces.

Wanjira Wanjiru of the Mathare Social Justice Centre stated that activists had planned a peaceful gathering to demand the release of Maxwell Kiarie and Abdulaziz Molu, who were reportedly "abducted under unclear circumstances" over the past two weeks. "The action underscores growing concern over enforced disappearances," she said in a statement.

Social media images appeared to show small groups clashing with officers, with tear gas visible. Mathare, a sprawling informal settlement on Nairobi's east side, is home to hundreds of thousands of people. The protests follow a period of heightened tension in the capital, which saw a massive police deployment last week after campaigners declared a day of remembrance for protesters killed by security forces in previous demonstrations. While June 25 passed without major unrest due to the heavy police presence, several activists were arrested, and some disappeared for days.

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The action underscores growing concern over enforced disappearances.