Protesters have reportedly launched an impassioned demonstration outside the Mombasa Central Police Station, demanding the release of individuals arrested during recent #EndAbductionsKE protests.
In footage shared online, a group of demonstrators can be seen entering the police station, chanting loudly as officers watch on without intervening.
The protesters were rallying against the arrests of their comrades, who had been detained while participating in the ongoing demonstrations in Mombasa.
Activists and journalist Hanifa Farsafi reported that 11 people were taken into custody, including Hussein Khalid, Shipeta, Hassan Masudi, Kishindo, Walid Sketty, Tina Khan, Kazungu, Hildah Rawago, Lilian, Lydia, and Phoebe.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), police moved swiftly to arrest Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and at least 10 other protesters.
The group had chained themselves together at Aga Khan Walk in defiance of police attempts to break up their demonstration using tear gas.
Armed with Kenyan flags and copies of the Constitution, the protesters demanded the release of Kenyans who have been victims of alleged state abductions.
They named specific individuals who had gone missing, and called for peace and justice.
The #EndAbductionsKE march officially began in Nairobi CBD, with protesters carrying placards displaying the iconic silhouettes created by missing visual artist Kibet Bull.
The demonstration was a show of solidarity for those affected by enforced disappearances, as participants chanted and sang for an end to the abductions.
In response, police set up barricades around key roads leading into the CBD and frisked Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) to identify and stop protesters being transported into the area.
At the same time, protests were reported across other regions, including Embu, Kitengela, and Nakuru, where police engaged demonstrators in running battles, using tear gas to disperse crowds and setting up roadblocks.
Additionally, Kenyans in Australia joined the global protests, urging President William Ruto to take action to address the security concerns and ongoing abductions back home.
