Police today resorted to using tear gas canisters to disperse a group of human rights activists, with former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga among them from the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
The activists were demanding the immediate release of over 30 individuals who had been arrested during Friday’s Saba Saba rally, organized by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
“Police have decided to teargas their workplace, and beat some of us. This criminal act was ordered by OCS Central Police Station, Moses Mutayi. Our “Christian” government is doing the devil’s work. Happy Sabbath William Ruto, Rigathi Gachagua. Continue undermining the Constitution,” he tweeted.
Earlier, Mwangi had asked the Azimio La Umoja top brass to take responsibility after the arrest of the protesters.
He addressed the plea to the Azimio principals Raila Odinga and Martha Karua to come out and demand the release of the detainees.
“Good morning Raila Odinga, Martha Karua, and the Azimio fratenity. 35 of your supporters were arrested yesterday. They’re are being held at Central Police Station. It’s your duty to get them released. Activists being held here are 32. The HRDs were arrested in the CBD,” said Mwangi.
On Friday, Odinga called for a rally at Kamukunji Grounds, where he rallied his supporters to initiate an effort aimed at removing President William Ruto and his government from office. Following his address at the Kamukunji rally, Odinga urged his supporters to march towards Central Park in Nairobi’s CBD, where he intended to speak further.
However, the Odinga-led Azimio convoy encountered a heavily armed contingent of anti-riot police officers, determined to prevent the thousands of protesters from following the opposition leader into the city center. The police used force against the protesters, resulting in the shattering of rear windows of several vehicles in Odinga’s convoy, including his own.
For their safety, the Azimio leaders were compelled to flee and seek refuge at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) center, where the press witnessed the inspection of the damaged vehicles.
Speaking to journalists, Odinga alleged that his vehicle had been struck by a live bullet fired by the police, whom he claimed were targeting his life.
