Police arrest activists protesting at Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi
The activists led by Julius Kamau and Odhiambo Ojiro were rounded up by police who were both in uniform and plain clothes before being handcuffed to the Central Police Station.
Police in Nairobi on Tuesday arrested seven activists at the Tanzanian High Commission after they staged a protest against President Samia Suluhu's administration
The activists led by Julius Kamau and Odhiambo Ojiro were rounded up by police who were both in uniform and plain clothes before being handcuffed to the Central Police Station.
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The activists who were marching and singing, holding placards, held a brief press briefing before police moved to scatter them violently in a move that prompted their immediate arrest.
Activist Geoffrey Mboya said they had gathered to express solidarity with the people of Tanzania on their planned protests during Independence Day today.
"We're here to express support for the people of Tanzania as they demonstrate against a dictatorship. We are part of the East Africa community, and whatever happens in Tanzania affects all of us," said Mboya.
Ojiro of Vocal Africa said Suluhu's government had lost legitimacy and therefore should not be supported by any other democratically elected government in the region.
"We're here as Kenyans to show comradeship with the people of Tanzania. What happened in Tanzania during the elections was shameful and needs to be condemned by everyone, irrespective of the country where one lives," said Ojiro.
Activists who were protesting outside the Tanzanian High Commission. (Justin Ondieki)
Police in Nairobi were on high alert after the activists on Monday announced plans to storm the Tanzania High Commission.
Police had moved to secure the Re-Insurance Plaza along Taifa Road. They packed their vans in anticipation of the disruption of normalcy around Agha Khan Walk and Harambee Avenue.
The activists have called for global attention and suggested that President Samia steps down.
On Monday, it was Ojiro Odhiambo, Free Kenya Movement leader Bob Njagi and former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana who cited reports of alleged state abuses and warned of a potential humanitarian crisis as Tanzanians prepare nationwide protests on December 9.
They have called for action and urged measures ahead of the protests expected in Tanzania.
In a notification seen by the Eastleigh Voice, the group had also notified Kenyan police of their plan to hold a demonstration in Nairobi in solidarity with Tanzanians during their Independence Day.
"The world is paying attention to events unfolding in Tanzania. Across Africa and beyond, observers, human rights institutions and civic movements are highlighting concerns raised by Tanzanians themselves regarding the conduct of President Samia and her administration," said Ojiro.
Their intervention aligns Kenya's civil society figures with observations made by the African Union Election Observation Mission, SADC, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, the European Parliament, Ghana, UN special procedures and the United States, all of which have highlighted issues in Tanzania's elections and expressed concern over responses to dissent.
It is understood that the arrested activists could be charged with illegal assembly, among other charges.
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