Police arrest Senator Omtatah, several other activists during anti-abduction demos
Senator Omtatah vowed to return to the streets if those abducted were not released.
Police in Nairobi on Monday arrested Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and several other human rights activists as they staged protests against abductions and forced disappearances believed to have been propagated by state agents.
Police sought reinforcements after several failed attempts to arrest the vocal senator and other protesters. The officers threw tear gas at the protesters before subduing them.
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Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah brave teargas after it was lobbed by police to disperse protesters calling for an end to abductions. (Reuters)
In the dramatic arrest that saw several activists collapse after a tirade of tear gas canisters were hurled at them, police used three vans to forcefully transport them away.
Senator Omtatah vowed to return to the streets if those abducted were not released.
"Our arrest will not prevent us and other Kenyans from demanding the release of those abducted," said Omtatah.
The activists who had chained themselves against one another gave police a hectic time, causing drama.
Volunteer medics attend to a protester who was injured during the anti-abduction demos in Nairobi on December 30, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)
Earlier, police lobbed several tear gas canisters at the protesters who refused to disperse. Several journalists were also caught in the running battles that lasted for several hours.
Hundreds of protesters stormed the streets of Nairobi in demonstrations against abductions and forced disappearances currently being witnessed in the country.
The protesters braved a heavy police presence as they chanted slogans calling for the immediate release of abducted youths.
They sat for several hours on Agha Khan as police stood on the sidelines watching before forcefully disrupting them.
Activist Odhiambo Ojiro who led the activists in singing songs condemning President William Ruto's administration said they were out to demonstrate against the government’s impunity.
Several protesters were injured and were rushed to the hospital.
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