By Gidion Ngenoh
Tensions are boiling across the country as protests demanding the immediate arrest of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat intensify, with multiple incidents of police confrontations, arrests, and violence now under scrutiny.
In Mombasa, four activists were arrested on Monday during a peaceful picket, sparking widespread concern over the government’s response to civil demonstrations. Vocal Africa CEO and prominent activist Hussein Khalid confirmed the arrests, identifying the detained as Francis Auma, Walid Sketty, Batuli Swaleh, and Mugambi Gichunge — all currently being held at the Central Police Station in Mombasa.
“Instead of arresting Lagat, the government is targeting peaceful demonstrators,” Khalid said. “They’ve turned the crackdown on citizens who are demanding justice — it’s a total betrayal of our constitutional rights.”
Disturbing videos shared by Khalid and seen by Newshub.co.ke show plain-clothed police officers manhandling demonstrators. One video captures a woman dressed in a black buibui and a Kenyan flag scarf being dragged away forcefully by officers. Another clip shows protesters pleading with police as they attempt to load them into a waiting vehicle, shouting in confusion and protest.
“Why are you arresting me? What have I done wrong?” one man can be heard pleading, as an officer — notably without a badge or arrest warrant — tries to restrain him.
The scenes in Nairobi mirrored the unrest in Mombasa. Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the Central Business District (CBD) only to be met by tear gas and police batons. Clashes erupted as officers moved to disperse the growing crowd.
Adding to the chaos, a convoy of motorbike riders believed to be hired goons was seen storming into the CBD, shouting that protests would not be tolerated. Eyewitnesses claim these men acted violently, creating fear and scattering protesters. In the fracas, activist Hanifa Adani was reportedly assaulted, and a journalist covering the protest was forced to flee after being chased on foot by the same group.
“These goons weren’t there to protest — they were there to intimidate,” one demonstrator said. “And the police stood by, even assisted them.”
The increasing use of force and alleged state-sponsored disruption has alarmed human rights organizations, many of whom are now calling for independent investigations and urgent government accountability.
“The right to protest is protected by the Constitution,” said a statement from a coalition of civil society groups. “What we are witnessing is the erosion of democratic space, where instead of the powerful being held accountable, the powerless are silenced.”
The protests stem from public outrage over alleged misconduct by Deputy IG Eliud Lagat, whose actions — yet to be fully disclosed — have prompted widespread condemnation and a wave of calls for his arrest.
As demonstrations grow both in size and intensity, pressure is mounting on the government to respect the rule of law and stop what many see as the criminalization of dissent.
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