Editor's Review

The three activists were arrested on Friday, June 27, while traveling on a Mombasa-bound bus.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has slammed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after arresting 3 activists over allegations of inciting violence, theft, and destruction of property during the June 25 protests.

In a statement on Saturday, June 28, KHRC termed the allegations against the three, John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali, and Francis Mutunge Mwangi alias Chebukati, as baseless, stating that they are well-known human rights defenders.

“These charges are not only baseless, but they also represent a deliberate distortion of the truth.

“The three comrades are well-known human rights defenders, regionally recognized for their integration of music and art into movement building, as well as consistent solidarity with the oppressed, as key pillars of their organizing,” read the statement.

KHRC claimed that the goons who looted and destroyed property during the June 25 protests appeared to work with state agencies.

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File image of DCI headquarters. 

“Police officers were seen escorting and directing these groups, all while unleashing tear gas and force on peaceful citizens. This speaks to a systemic failure or worse, a deliberate strategy to delegitimize civic protest and criminalize dissent,” the commission stated.

KHRC demanded the immediate release of the three activists from police custody.

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Garang, Generali, and Chebukati,” KHRC added.

The trio was arrested by DCI detectives on Friday, June 27, while traveling on a Mombasa-bound bus near the Konza City section.

According to the DCI, the three suspects had planned to flee to the coast in an attempt to evade capture.

"John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali, and Francis Mutunge Mwangi alias Chebukati were flushed from a Mombasa-bound bus at the Konza City section, following an in-depth forensic investigation triggered by testimonies from concerned and affected citizens," the DCI statement read.

“Among others who have already been identified and are being pursued, the suspects had planned to hole up at a coastal hideout to evade police dragnet, oblivious that justice would catch up with them sooner or later.”