Drama as police attempt to arrest activists outside President Ruto’s office

There was drama in Nairobi on Tuesday as an attempt by police to arrest human rights activists who had gathered together with families of the victims of alleged police abductions at President William Ruto's office failed.

The drama ensued at the entrance Harambee House where the Office of the President is located when police handcuffed activists Boniface Mwangi, Hussein Khalid and Hanifa Adan in a bid to forcefully take them to a police van that was waiting.

A police officer attempts to arrest activist Hanifa Adan outside Harambee House in Nairobi on September 24, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

The shocked families of the abducted victims who accompanied the activists wailed as the commotion ensued before the police allowed the activists entry into the offices.

"We will resist any attempts to have us arrested. We will also not allow police officers with masks on their faces to arrest us," Mwangi shouted as police tried to pull him forcefully from the ground.

Police have heightened security around the Office of the President following the activists' decision to petition Ruto on the disappearance of Kenyans following recent protests against the government.

After the bitter confrontation that saw activists Mwangi and Hanifa suffer bruises, the activists emerged from Ruto's office, where they presented their petition, to announce the outcome of the meeting.

Mwangi and Khalid read ultimatums, calling for justice for the victims of police killings.

They demanded immediate sacking and prosecution of police officers who allegedly aided abductions and killings. The human rights activists are also seeking compensation for families affected by police excesses.

"We are demanding the immediate sacking of police officers who participated in the killing and abduction of innocent Kenyans because justice must be served," said Khalid.

The angry activists vowed to return to the president's office should their petition not get acted upon within seven days of its submission.

"If Ruto fails to meet the conditions we have issued here then there is no alternative for us but to return here and organise protests against his administration," said Mwangi.

Several families of victims who accompanied the activists cried their hearts out, asking the government to find justice for their loved ones.

Dorothy Muthoni, whose brother, Timothy Muchui, 25, was killed in Nyahururu during the anti-government protests, asked the president to personally intervene now that he has gotten the list of those who have been killed and abducted.

"The president said he was unaware of those killed or abducted. Today we have presented names, images and information of our loved ones and we now expect justice," said Muthoni.