Human rights activist Hussein Khalid was arrested while leading a group of activists attempting to hold an event at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park.
At the time of his arrest, Khalid was addressing the press when police cordoned off the park’s entrance as hundreds of youths gathered to enter the venue.
The situation escalated when police launched tear gas canisters at a group of youths who had gathered in the Nairobi Central Business District, aiming to march to Uhuru Park.
The youths fled as police continued to surveil the area, insisting they would not allow any actions that might disrupt public peace.
Khalid, a prominent defender of human rights, was subsequently taken to the Central Police Station in Nairobi. Eyewitness photos depicted the activist being dragged away from the media briefing and hurriedly placed into a waiting police vehicle.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had earlier warned against the gathering, which aimed to honor victims of police brutality during past anti-government protests.
He emphasized that while Uhuru Park remains open to the public, it cannot be reserved for exclusive events on public holidays due to the high demand from other citizens wishing to enjoy the space.
This marks Khalid’s second arrest in 2024, following an earlier incident in July when he sought answers regarding several youths missing after protests.
Fellow activist Boniface Mwangi expressed concerns that police actions were infringing on freedoms of expression and assembly.
