NAIROBI, Kenya- Amnesty International Kenya has condemned the arrest of activist Bob Njagi in Kajiado County, describing it as an attack on constitutional freedoms and calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International Kenya said Njagi was arrested over allegations that he had mobilised support for planned memorial processions scheduled to take place in Kitengela on June 25 to commemorate victims of the 2024 anti-government protests.
According to media reports cited by the rights organisation, Kajiado County Police Commander Alex Shikondi said the arrest followed the circulation of a social media video in which Njagi allegedly encouraged young people to participate in the commemorative events.
The police commander reportedly argued that authorities feared large crowds could turn out and potentially cause destruction of property.
However, Amnesty International Kenya rejected the justification, arguing that the possibility of a peaceful assembly attracting large numbers of participants cannot be used as grounds to arrest organisers or restrict constitutional rights.
“The duty of the police is to facilitate and protect assemblies, while taking lawful and proportionate measures to safeguard public safety and property,” said Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director George Morara.
The organisation maintained that organising or mobilising support for a peaceful protest is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights to peaceful assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition.
Amnesty further noted that the rights are also protected under international human rights instruments, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the United Nations Human Rights Committee and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The rights group argued that criminalising protest mobilisation undermines democratic governance and creates a chilling effect on citizens seeking to exercise their constitutional freedoms.
“This arrest appears intended to intimidate citizens and suppress participation in the planned memorial processions,” the organisation said.
Amnesty called on the National Police Service to immediately release Njagi, end what it described as harassment and intimidation of protest organisers, and publicly reaffirm its commitment to protecting planned memorial events.
The organisation also urged all state agencies to respect, protect and promote the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.
The statement comes as preparations intensify for June 25 commemorations marking the anniversary of the 2024 protests that left dozens of people dead, injured, abducted or missing, according to human rights groups.
Civil society organisations have planned memorial marches and vigils across various parts of the country to honour victims and demand accountability for alleged human rights violations committed during the demonstrations.
“As Kenyans prepare to commemorate those who lost their lives during the June 2024 protests, the State must resist the temptation to respond to public dissent with repression,” Morara said.
“The appropriate response to peaceful assembly is protection, not persecution.”
The National Police Service has repeatedly stated that it will facilitate peaceful demonstrations while taking action against any criminal elements that attempt to infiltrate the events.