Tensions are rising nationwide as protests demanding the arrest of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat intensify.
In Mombasa, four individuals were arrested while demonstrating, adding to growing concerns about the government’s response to peaceful protests.
Activist and Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid confirmed the arrests shortly after they took place. He also shared videos and the names of the individuals allegedly detained during a picket in the coastal city.
Those taken into custody were identified as Francis Auma, Walid Sketty, Batuli Swaleh, and Mugambi Gichunge. All four are reportedly being held at the Central Police Station in Mombasa.
“Instead of taking action against Lagat, the government is arresting citizens who are simply asking for justice,” Khalid said. “They are even going after well-known activists in Mombasa.
Those arrested so far — Mugambi Gichunge, Batuli Swaleh (Ms), Francis Auma, and Walid Sketty — must be released immediately and unconditionally,” he demanded.
One of the videos shared by Khalid, and seen by Newshub.co.ke, shows a female protester dressed in a black buibui and a scarf bearing the Kenyan flag being forcefully taken away by police officers. The disturbing footage sparked anger among fellow protesters.
In another clip, demonstrators can be heard pleading with police to stop the arrests as officers attempted to push protestors into a waiting police vehicle. The scene was chaotic, with people shouting and resisting the forceful detentions.
“Look at what our government is doing,” cried one protester, who was being restrained by a plain-clothed officer. “They’re treating me like a criminal.
Why are you arresting me? What have I done wrong?” the protester questioned as the officer attempted to drag him away.
Notably, the officer neither showed his identification badge nor presented a warrant of arrest.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi, clashes broke out between police officers and hundreds of demonstrators in the Central Business District (CBD). Officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, further escalating the situation.
The unrest was further fueled by a convoy of unknown individuals riding motorbikes, seen heading into the city center while shouting that there would be no protests allowed.
These suspected goons, believed to have been deployed to disrupt the demonstrations, caused panic and confusion.
A journalist covering the protests was caught in a dramatic foot chase, while renowned activist Hanifa Adani was reportedly assaulted by the same group of suspected goons.
The incidents have sparked outrage, with many Kenyans expressing concern over the state’s increasing intolerance toward peaceful demonstrations.
As the nationwide protests grow louder, the call for accountability continues, with activists and citizens alike demanding justice and respect for constitutional rights.
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