Over 50 arrested, teargassed in nationwide protests against abductions
The protests were organised to demand the release of individuals allegedly detained by police since last week, including Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo.
At least 50 individuals were arrested and repeatedly teargassed during the #EndAbductionsKe protests held in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret, according to human rights organisations.
The Law Society of Kenya, Medics for Kenya, the Kenya Medical Association, and the Police Reforms Working Group condemned the forceful disruption of the peaceful demonstrations by uniformed officers.
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The protests were organised to demand the release of individuals allegedly detained by police since last week, including Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplangat, and Steve Kavingo.
Among those arrested were Senator Okiya Omtatah, former presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame, and several human rights defenders.
Human rights organisations reported that 21 protesters were arrested in Nairobi, 13 in Mombasa, and 16 in Eldoret. They also noted that in Nairobi and Mombasa, 18 individuals sustained injuries, including blunt force trauma, tear gas inhalation, minor cuts, and impacts from tear gas canisters.
“Five individuals required resuscitation due to tear gas exposure. In Nairobi, at least four protesters were reportedly assaulted and tortured with batons and rifle butts while in police custody,” the organisations said in a report on Monday.
Despite a Malindi High Court ruling prohibiting police officers from concealing their identities during protests, the organisations observed that some officers were hooded, and vehicles lacked number plates or had registration numbers concealed with tape.
“The use of horses to intimidate protesters was also observed in Nairobi,” the organisations added.
They noted that the protesters remained peaceful, chanting and singing the national anthem while calling for the release of those abducted.
The arrested individuals were held at police stations in Nairobi Central, Mombasa Central, Eldoret Central, Kasarani, and Gigiri. Among the detainees, seven were women.
The demonstrations also caused disruptions to businesses in Nairobi, Embu, and Mombasa, with many establishments remaining closed. Public service vehicles were also prevented from accessing Nairobi’s city centre, though no cases of looting or property destruction were reported.
The organisations criticised the disproportionate use of force by police against unarmed protesters and contrasted the events with peaceful demonstrations by Kenyans abroad, including in Australia.
They expressed appreciation for pro bono lawyers and voluntary medical professionals who are supporting efforts to secure the release and treatment of the detained and injured protesters.
They further reiterated their call for the National Police Service to immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested.
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