Activists from the Coast region have vowed to pile pressure on the the government to unearth those behind a spate of abductions in the country.
The activists said they will not bow down to government threats and arrests but soldier on until the government releases all the abducted youth activists.
Speaking after their release on a Ksh. 5,000 cash bail each by Mombasa court on December, 31st, 2024, Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid said the government cannot go on abducting Kenyans who are only exercising their rights.
He said the human rights defenders will not rest until the government of the day values and embraces the constitution.
Khalid, reiterated the need for the government to listen to what Kenyans are saying and serve them diligently.
“You can’t solve any problems concerning the country by arresting Kenyans who are defending and protecting their fellow Kenyans. A government that cannot accept criticism and rectify it deeds is in simple terms, a failed government,” said the Vocal Africa CEO.
Khalid was among other 12 rights defenders who were arrested on Monday, 30, 24 in Mombasa and detained overnight at the Central Police Station, Mombasa. They were charged on New Year’s eve and all the 13 were released on a Ksh. 5000 cash bail each by a Mombasa court.
Among those arrested and charged during the Monday anti-abduction protests were, Haki Africa Rapid Response Officer, Mathias Shipetta, youth activists Lydia Adhiambo, Kishindo Ali, Wallid Sketty among others.
They were freed on Tuesday, December, 31st, 2024. However, they have vowed to carry on with their protests until the government heeds to their demands.
Their other 23 colleagues in the Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah were released on a Ksh. 1000 cash bail each.
The activists are demanding answers from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and other security agencies on the whereabouts of youth activists Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Cartoonist Kibet Bull, his brother Ronny Kiplang’at among other critiques of President William Ruto leadership.
The youthful activists were abducted on different scenarios by people believed to be security agencies, with the NIS, DCI and the National Police Service adversely mentioned in the gross human rights violations.
