Several youth arrested during protests in Ukunda, Kwale County

Early Tuesday morning in Ukunda, Kwale County, law enforcement apprehended several protestors as they gathered for planned anti-government demonstrations.

According to eyewitnesses, the youth had convened at their usual meeting point near Naivas supermarket when police swiftly moved in to make arrests.

"The youth had just started to gather outside Naivas supermarket when police took them. This is their usual meeting point. We do not understand why the police arrested them," said Khalifa a resident of Diani.

Sumeiya Omar, a famous activist who has recently participated in statewide protests, was arrested.

Sumeiya spoke from the Diani police station, where the protestors are being imprisoned, and lamented the police's lack of communication since their detention in the morning hours.

"We have just been put in the cells without being told anything. The cells are smelly. We have been told to wait for the OCS who will come at 2 pm. We have not even been told why we were arrested," Sumeiya said.

Sumeiya went on to allege police violence since the demonstrations began in mid-June, stating that over three individuals have died at the hands of law authorities.

The protestors' lawyer, Irene Oguna, criticised the police for neglecting to charge the arrested youth after hours in jail.

"We have tried speaking to the OCS to release them but he has insisted that the youth did not issue an official notice for the protest. The OCS has said they will be charged with illegal gathering. Today is a demonstration. If he was unaware of the demos, then why are his men all over the region?" Irene questioned.

Oguna emphasised the peaceful nature of the protests and the protesters' right to assemble, questioning the motives behind the prolonged detention without charges.

"They have a right to picket, so I do not understand why they are locked in. We are asking the OCS to charge them so that we can bail them out, but he is not doing any of that. He has just locked them in to intimidate them so that they do not express their grievances, and it is not allowed," said Irene.

Hussein Ali, another protestor, vowed to continue demonstrating until the county officials addressed their concerns.

"We are not going to stop the demonstrations anytime soon. We will be on the streets until our grievances are heard. As for the comrades who have been arrested, we will stand with them and support them throughout," he said.

The situation remains tense as activists and legal representatives await further developments from the authorities regarding the detained protestors.