MUHURI director Khelef Khalifa released after being arrested in Malindi

Muslim Human Rights Forum (MUHURI) director, Khelef Khalifa, has been released after being arrested this morning. 

In a photo obtained by The Eastleigh Voice, Khelef is seen standing beside a white car while an officer takes a picture.

A multi-agency police force had apprehended him at Midas in Malindi after he questioned the officers about their concealed faces and failure to display their police badges, as required by law.

In a statement released on its social media pages, MUHURI stated that Khalifa was arrested on a highway after his confrontation with the police officers.

"Khalifa challenged the officers for hiding their faces when they stopped his car, citing a recent court ruling that mandates police identification. Khalifa was simply upholding the law, and now his freedom is being threatened. We demand the immediate release of Khalifa and his family."

It added that Khalifa was moved to the Malindi Police Station following the incident.

MUHURI Rapid Response Officer Francis Auma, while speaking to the Eastleigh Voice, also expressed concern over Khalid's arrest.

Muslim Human Rights Forum (MUHURI) director, Khelef Khalifa, interracts with the police in Malindi on Saturday, August 17, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

"We urgently demand the immediate, unconditional release of Khalifa. The actions of the officers are illegal and deeply troubling. Any harm that befalls him or his family will be solely the responsibility of the police. We are calling for his immediate release," Auma stated.

There are fears that Khalifa, known for his vocal stance on governance and human rights issues, may be at risk of harm or further detention. These concerns have been worsened by the lack of transparency in his arrest and detention.

"We are deeply worried about Khalifa's safety. The manner in which he was detained and his subsequent disappearance are alarming. His advocacy for human rights and good governance might have led to this troubling situation, and we urge the authorities to ensure his safety and release him immediately, said Auma.

The police have yet to provide an official comment on the incident or whether he will be charged and arraigned in court.

Meanwhile, Khalifa, in his confrontation with the police, was referring to High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye's ruling on Wednesday, which mandates that police officers must fully comply with paragraph 10 of the sixth schedule of the National Police Service Act.

This mandate requires all uniformed officers, or those acting under the direction, control, or support of the National Police Service, to affix a name tag or identifiable service number in a clearly visible part of their uniform. This requirement applies when engaging with, providing security for, or dealing with individuals who are assembling, demonstrating, picketing, or petitioning. Officers are also prohibited from removing or obscuring these identifiers.

He added that police officers must not, in any way, hide or obscure their faces so as to render them difficult to identify.