The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is facing strong criticism following the arrest of three individuals who have been confirmed to be human rights activists.
The arrests have sparked widespread concern, with many accusing the agency of targeting peaceful voices of dissent.
According to a statement released by the DCI, the three were allegedly the masterminds behind the infiltration of violent individuals—referred to as “goons”—during the protests held on June 25.
The DCI claimed that the suspects planned and executed the infiltration to cause chaos during the demonstrations.
However, this version of events has been strongly disputed by fellow activists and various human rights groups.
They argue that the claims made by the DCI are false and appear to be a deliberate attempt to silence those who speak out against injustice.
Many believe the arrests are part of a wider effort to criminalise dissent and suppress the right to protest.
On June 28, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) released a detailed statement condemning the arrests.
The KHRC insisted that the charges against the three activists were fabricated and demanded their immediate and unconditional release. “These accusations are completely baseless. They are a clear attempt to twist the facts and criminalise legitimate activism,” read part of the statement.
The commission went on to describe the three individuals as well-known and widely respected human rights defenders who are recognised not just in Kenya but across the region.
They are known for using music and art to promote activism and have consistently stood in solidarity with oppressed communities.
Despite this, the DCI claimed in its report that the suspects had used organised communication networks and social media platforms to encourage criminal behaviour.
The agency alleged that their actions led to theft, destruction of property, and incitement of violence during the demonstrations.
According to the DCI, such actions posed a threat to public peace and misrepresented the constitutionally protected right to peaceful assembly and protest. The agency justified the arrests by stating that the trio’s conduct warranted legal action.
The arrests were made on June 26, just one day after the protests, as the three activists were travelling on a bus headed to Mombasa.
They were intercepted at the Konza City area following what the DCI described as a thorough forensic investigation, which they said was supported by statements from citizens affected by the protests.
The activists are expected to appear in court on Monday, where they are likely to face several serious charges, including inciting violence, destroying property, stealing, and arson.
The response from the public has been swift and vocal. In addition to the KHRC, the Ukweli Party, to which the three activists belong, has also condemned the arrests.
The party demanded the immediate release of its members, identifying one of the detained individuals as the party’s secretary general and the others as active members.
In a bold statement, Ukweli Party criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of playing a role in escalating the violence.
The party alleged that it was the government, not the activists, that sponsored the violent groups that caused chaos during the protests.
This unfolding situation has sparked a national conversation on the rights to protest and the growing concerns over the criminalisation of activism in Kenya. Many are now calling for transparency, justice, and respect for constitutional freedoms.
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