LSK Chief of Staff Arrested Amid Protests in Kenya
Chief of staff LSK Ernest Nyerere
Ernest Nyerere Detained
Ernest Nyerere, Chief of Staff to Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, police officers believed, arrested early Tuesday morning. Odhiambo confirmed they took him from his residence at 5 a.m.
Growing Concerns Over Arrests
Nyerere’s arrest adds to the growing list of Kenyans police have captured and are holding in undisclosed locations during the ongoing anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests. This situation raises concerns about government efforts to suppress dissent.
Abductions of Activists
In a troubling turn of events, suspected police officers allegedly abducted popular social commentator Gabriel Oguda from his home early Tuesday morning. Others reportedly captured include John Frank Githaiga (Frenje), Drey Mwangi, Khalif Kairo, Osama Otero, and Shadrack Kiprono (Shad), who police abducted in Nairobi’s South B area.
LSK Condemnation
LSK issued a statement strongly condemning these abductions, describing them as a regression into a dark era. President Faith Odhiambo vowed that the organization would hold accountable those orchestrating these actions.
Government Crackdown on Protests
Kenya has witnessed heightened tensions as protests against the Finance Bill 2024 enter their second week. Critics accuse the government of using a rogue police force to stifle public dissent through repressive and illegal tactics.
Odhiambo’s Commitment to Justice
President Odhiambo has been actively involved in securing the release of protesters arrested during demonstrations against the Finance Bill. Notably, Dr. Austin Omondi (Ja Prado), released following public outcry over his detention. Omondi, who organized a blood donation drive for injured protesters, reportedly detained after individuals in a vehicle with registration number KCU 819H apprehended him.
Release of Prominent Activist
Billy Simani (Crazy Nairobian), a prominent social media figure, released from police custody on Saturday evening after they arrested him on Friday.
The situation in Kenya remains tense as authorities face mounting criticism for their handling of protests. LSK continues to advocate for the rights of those detained and promises to pursue justice against what they deem as unlawful suppression of dissent. The coming days will likely test Kenya’s commitment to upholding civil liberties amid political and social unrest.
