Free those you've abducted, Azimio demands

Azimio Senators address the media at Parliament Buildings on June 25,2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Azimio la Umoja senators have condemned the recent wave of abductions targeting vocal dissenters of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.

According to the senators, the abductees, who were reportedly taken from their homes in the early hours of Tuesday, June 25, should be released immediately without any conditions.

“We condemn the police in the strongest terms for being used against those who dissent against this government. We have seen goons raiding the houses of innocent young people at 2 AM. The president is raiding people's houses at very ungodly hours,” said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

“I want the police officers to know that we are not their enemies. We are fighting on the same side,” he added.

Reiterating Sifuna’s remarks, Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma said, “I am asking that we stop all these abductions and initiate an inquiry into the two young men who were killed senselessly while peacefully protesting.”

Among the victims is a renowned newspaper columnist and social commentator Gabriel Oguda, who serves as a policy advisor to National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.

Others include LSK President’s PA Ernest Nyerere, Shadrack Kiprono, also known as Shad Khalif, Osama Otero, John Frank Githiaka, alias Franje, Khalif Kairo, and Drey Mwangi.

Earlier, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had notified the public that at least 50 people were abducted by the police following the ongoing anti-tax demonstrations.

According to LSK President Faith Odhiambo, the number could be higher as some individuals are yet to be identified.