On Tuesday, politicians allied with the Azimio opposition coalition claimed that recent abductions of youth involved in the anti-Finance Bill protests were orchestrated by an undercover police unit.
During parliamentary proceedings, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi called on the government to either release the abducted individuals immediately or produce them in court as per constitutional requirements.
“I have been told that there is a unit already established in the police service that reports to nobody. They are a law unto themselves. They are abducting Kenyans,” Wandayi asserted in Parliament.
Additionally, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna alleged that police officers attempted to block him from accessing his office.
“The police officers deployed in Nairobi today are clearly not from here. Ruto has brought his village mates and put them in command of the formations around parliament. I know this because the one in charge of the unit outside the Supreme Court tried to block me from accessing my office at KICC just now. Such cowards!” Sifuna stated.
A heavy contingent of security officers was deployed in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to prevent demonstrators from accessing Parliament ahead of the planned protests. As early as 7:00 am, anti-riot officers were present on several streets to quell any protests. This sudden increase in anti-riot officers raised questions among Kenyans online about the necessity and allocation of such a heavy police presence.
Further, armored police vehicles were stationed at State House to enhance security during the protests. The strong security measures and police presence were seen by many as an indication that the government is taking the demonstrations seriously.
Kenyans online urged the Gen Z generation to rally and exercise their right to protest, reaffirming the government’s nervousness about the growing discontent. Comments online reflected the public’s dissatisfaction and determination:
