On Thursday, seven people, including human rights activists Hussein Khalid, Boniface Mwangi and Shadrach Kiprono, were arrested while leading a march for justice. Also detained were Caroline Nduku Mutisya, whose son was allegedly killed by police.
Two relatives including the mother of of Evans Kiratu, the 21-year-old protester who died after a tear gas canister allegedly exploded near his groin were also arrested.
Boniface Mwangi was leading the demonstration carrying a coffin and crosses to honor those killed during the protests.
He posted on X prior to his arrest, “See you on Kimathi Street at 11am. Let’s escort the families of our heroes to the crime scene to lay flowers. If you see Raila anywhere, record a video calling him a traitor, let that old man spend the rest of his life knowing he betrayed Kenyans for a few coins.”
Shadrach Kiprono Arrested
Shadrach Kiprono, known as Shad Khalif, was arrested at Java Kimathi Street.
A video that captured Shad Khalif’s arrest, shows him being taken by unknown men to a waiting police car at Java Kimathi Street and taken to Central Police Station.
After the arrest, Shad’s phone was reportedly switched off, and he was allegedly transported out of the police station in the boot of a Subaru Forester to an unknown location.
KHRC Reacts
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) condemned the arrests, calling for the release of Mwangi and Khalid.
“Free Boniface Mwangi and Hussein Khalid,” KHRC stated on X.
“We will continue to demand accountability for those responsible for the deaths of innocent Kenyans.”
The arrests have sparked further outrage and calls for justice, amid the rising concern of police actions and treatment of protesters and activists.
By Vivian K.