Haki Yetu condemns arrest of Lamu activist over criticism of Ruto's housing project
According to the group, Yunus was arrested on February 25 after he visited a police station seeking to know why the authorities were searching for him.
Mombasa-based human rights organisation Haki Yetu has condemned the arrest of Yunus Ahmed from Lamu County after he criticised the Affordable Housing Programme.
In a statement, the rights group termed the arrest as unjust and an infringement on constitutional rights arguing that Yunus' detention is contrary to Articles 33 and 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantee the freedom of expression and the right to petition the government.
"His call for justice and fairness should not be met with unlawful detention but rather with constructive engagement from the relevant authorities," read part of the statement from Haki Yetu Executive Director Peter Kiama.
According to the group, Yunus was arrested on February 25 after he visited a police station seeking to know why the authorities were searching for him.
This occurred after he had written a letter to President William Ruto and Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, over the Mokowe Affordable Housing Project.
As per a copy of the letter showcased by Haki Yetu, Yunus welcomed the government's development efforts but emphasised the need to honour commitments made to the local farmers.
"I wish to bring to your kind attention that the land on which the project is being developed belongs to the peasant farmers of Mokowe," read the letter in part.
He then pointed out that a further 80 acres of land had been set aside for county headquarters, including government offices, yet those displaced had not been compensated as per the Compulsory Acquisition of Land Act.
"While the National Land Commission (NLC) and the County Assembly of Lamu approved compensation for the affected farmers, as required under the Compulsory Acquisition of Land Act, the payments are yet to be finalised," noted Yunus.
Haki Yetu expressed concern that Yunus' arrest was an attempt to silence those advocating for the rights of marginalised communities.
"We strongly believe that the reason he has been detained is the letter he addressed to President Ruto and Governor Issa, appealing to the government to pay compensation to farmers affected by infrastructure projects, including the affordable housing programme in Mokowe," the organisation remarked.
They then called for his immediate and unconditional release, urging authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression.
The rights body also criticised the National Police Service for using intimidation tactics against human rights defenders and community representatives.
They called on the state to take steps to protect individuals who speak out on public interest issues rather than criminalizing their advocacy.
In addition, Haki Yetu warned that continued suppression of activists could have serious repercussions on public trust in governance.
"The people of Mokowe deserve justice, and the voices of those speaking on their behalf must not be silenced," they stated.
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