Five missing activists found after alleged police torture, one still missing
via Tuko3 min read
Five of six protesters who went missing after their arrests on June 25 were found dumped by the roadside in Hurlingham on Saturday, June 27, and are now receiving hospital treatment. Amnesty International identified them as Collins Ochieng, Muteti Mulinge, Michael Ngigi, Elisha Alam, Fredrick Ojiro, and Christine Walubengo. They allege they were beaten and subjected to torture while in police custody. One protester, Davis Lichuma, remains missing, prompting urgent safety concerns. Amnesty International and other human rights groups are calling for an immediate, independent, and impartial investigation by the Independent Police Oversight Authority and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights into the allegations of torture and to hold those responsible accountable. They also demand that the National Police Service disclose Lichuma's whereabouts and ensure his safe release. The Kenya Human Rights Commission KHRC stated that efforts to report the disappearances at various police stations were rejected. The arrests occurred during the Gen Z anniversary protests, where 355 Kenyans were arrested nationwide, with most subsequently released. Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko paid KSh 1000 bail for 200 individuals arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadThe National Police Service NPS has condemned the conduct of officers involved in the forceful arrest of a man with a disability during Gen Z anniversary protests in Nakuru on June 25. NPS spokesperson Munene Nyaga stated that the arrest breached established procedures and the service's code of conduct. The NPS emphasized its commitment to professionalism, human rights, and adherence to the Constitution of Kenya, noting that the arresting officers failed to follow Standard Operating Procedures and legal safeguards for suspects' dignity and rights. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered the Internal Affairs Unit to conduct a thorough investigation within seven days, promising appropriate action based on the findings. The NPS reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards brutality, misconduct, and actions that undermine public trust, urging public cooperation and providing emergency contact numbers for information related to the investigation. The man arrested was identified as activist James Thuku Mbugua, who was reportedly thrown to the ground and had his crutches discarded by officers before being held at Nakuru police station.
Must ReadFormer Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko paid KSh 200,000 cash bail for approximately 200 protesters arrested during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations. The protesters were charged with obstruction and released on KSh 1,000 cash bail each by Milimani Chief Magistrate Teresia Nyangena. Sonko stated his intention was to ensure the young Kenyans could reunite with their families while awaiting their court dates. He also assisted a female protester with an infant, offering to buy diapers and essential items. The Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed 355 arrests nationwide during the protests, with 161 in Nairobi, 123 in Kajiado, and 36 in Kiambu. Concerns remain for six missing protesters, identified as Davis Lichuma 'Diffe', Elisha Alam, Collins Ochieng, Frederick Odhiambo Ojiro, Muteti Mulinge, and Michael Ngige 'Kenyatta', who were reportedly arrested but not arraigned. Activists and human rights groups are demanding their release.
A funeral in Nyamira county became chaotic after Borabu MP Patrick Osero and activist-turned-politician Morara Kebaso engaged in a heated political confrontation. The incident occurred in Nyansiongo, where Morara accused Osero of overseeing inflated development projects and misusing public funds. Morara, who has declared interest in the 2027 presidential race and unveiled his INJECT political party, recently shifted his focus to unseating Osero in the Borabu parliamentary contest. The confrontation escalated when Osero invited politicians seeking to replace him to speak, questioning Morara's intentions. Morara then introduced himself as the "current" MP and referred to Osero as the "former MP," drawing strong reactions from mourners. He alleged that Osero's office built a toilet for KSh 1.8 million and purchased a plastic water tank for KSh 500,000, calling it a misuse of public funds. As Osero attempted to interrupt, his bodyguards reportedly grabbed the microphone from Morara, leading to a tense standoff between the security teams of both politicians, who appeared to draw their weapons before calm was restored. This incident follows Morara's intensified criticism of Osero's leadership and a recent alleged attack on Morara by youths linked to the MP.