Activist Julius Kamau Arrested After Attempting to Interrupt Ruto’s State of the Nation Address
Human rights activist Julius Kamau was arrested outside the National Assembly on Thursday, just moments before President William Ruto delivered his State of the Nation Address.
The dramatic arrest happened along Parliament Road, where security had been tightened for the high-profile national event.
How Julius Kamau Was Arrested
Kamau positioned himself along Parliament Road shortly before the president arrived. His intention, according to witnesses, seemed to be staging a peaceful protest as the Head of State prepared to address the nation.
However, police officers manning the area reacted almost immediately. They moved in, surrounded him, and forcefully removed him from the scene. He was escorted to the Parliament Police Station, where he was placed under arrest.
Photos and videos shared online showed Kamau struggling against several officers. The images sparked widespread discussion because the officers were seen lifting him by his trousers—an act many Kenyans felt was disrespectful and unnecessary.
For a tightly controlled event like the State of the Nation Address, such confrontations drew even more attention.
Why Kenyans Defended the Activist
Kamau’s arrest ignited a heated online debate among Kenyans. While some agreed that security needed to remain strict during such events, most felt the police used excessive force on someone who did not appear to pose any threat.
Many argued that an unarmed protester should have been handled with more dignity. Others felt activists like Kamau have a right to raise their voices, as long as they are peaceful and within constitutional limits.
Some reactions online included:
- Caleb H. Mshairi: “Kama hakuwa na silaha, wangeacha apige kelele arudi kwake. Kwa nini polisi waingilie kila kitu?”
- Nick Nkuri: “How do you handle a fellow Kenyan like that? Parliament is not anyone’s private property. Treat people with dignity.”
- Collo Kipz: “Hawa ma-activists ni kama kuna vile wanataka na hii Kenya, ama wamelipwa kuchomea government.”
- Bismarck Pedro: “The man was wrong, yes, but if he wasn’t armed, is this the right way to arrest someone?”
- Antonio Murangiri: “Huyu ndiye original activist.”
- Daniel Mbugua: “Sometimes you people are joking.”
Most comments questioned whether lifting a protester by his trousers was necessary, especially during a peaceful demonstration.
Kamau’s History of Activism and Previous Arrests
Julius Kamau has built a reputation as one of Kenya’s most vocal and fearless activists. Over the years, he has repeatedly challenged government institutions, spoken out against corruption, and criticized what he describes as exploitation of ordinary citizens.
He has been arrested several times before, often during solo protests that highlight issues like inequality, high living costs, and poor governance.
At the Milimani Law Courts in a previous incident, Kamau lay on the courtroom floor, shouting boldly about corruption, greed, and systemic injustice. He accused leaders of being “power-sick” and claimed that silence from citizens creates a form of modern slavery.
One of his most memorable protests happened outside the National Treasury, just before the national budget reading.
Kamau accused the government of making life unbearable for ordinary people. He declared he was “ready to die for justice,” demanding fairness and accountability.
During a court session that followed the Treasury protest, his defiant tone continued. A magistrate even ordered a mental assessment due to his passionate outbursts, but Kamau defended himself, insisting he was mentally sound. He said his frustrations reflect the struggles many Kenyans face daily.
A Pattern of Bold, Lone Protests
Kamau’s actions consistently shine a light on the grievances of the common citizen. Though often alone in his demonstrations, he has gained a loyal following of supporters who see him as a symbol of bravery in a political climate where many fear speaking out.
His arrest during the State of the Nation Address adds to a long list of confrontations with authorities. For many Kenyans, the incident raises important questions about how the government handles peaceful dissent and whether the rights of activists are being fully respected.
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