Morara Kebaso, a lawyer and activist, was recently arrested in a dramatic raid at his Kahawa Sukari office in Nairobi.
The arrest came after he spent time traveling around Bomet and Kericho counties, holding civic rallies to expose stalled government projects.
Kebaso had become a vocal critic of the government’s unfulfilled promises, using his platform to highlight neglected communities and corruption.
His detention raised concerns about the shrinking space for political dissent in Kenya, with some witnessing the event as more of an abduction than a lawful arrest.
Unmarked Subaru vehicles were seen trailing him before his arrest, which sparked significant public attention.
Many Kenyans, already suspicious of such vehicles due to their frequent association with covert police operations, have been closely following the unfolding events.
Videos of the vehicles and Kebaso’s detainment have been widely shared on social media, underscoring the role of these platforms in modern activism.
Social media has allowed real-time updates on his situation, despite restrictions imposed by authorities at the regional headquarters, where he is currently held.
This arrest comes just after Kebaso had publicly condemned the abduction of a blogger in Mombasa, further intensifying his feud with the government.
His criticism and promise of nationwide protests if no action was taken against certain government officials may have played a role in his swift detention(
This case highlights the growing tension between activists and government forces in Kenya, as well as the critical role of online platforms in mobilizing and informing the public.