Rights group calls for release of three detained activists

Three three were arrested on Sunday in Machakos and taken to Muthaiga police station.[David Gichuru, Standard]

The Police Reforms Working Group has condemned the arbitrary detention of three human rights defenders in connection with the destruction of property during the June 25 protests.

In a statement on Saturday, the rights group called for the release of John Mulingwa Nzau, Mark Amiani and Francis Mwangi, who are reported to have been taken into custody at Muthaiga police station, Nairobi.

The rights group has called for the release of the activists, noting that they subscribe to the responsibility, principles and ethics of human rights work.

“We therefore urge the National Police Service to immediately and unconditionally release John Mulingwa Nzau, Mark Amiani and Francis Mwangi, call for the cessation of all acts of intimidation, harassment, and reprisals against human rights defenders in Kenya,” stated the group.

They have defended the activists, noting that they have been working peacefully to promote, protect, and realise the rights and freedoms of citizens.

The reforms working group urged the government to adhere to its constitutional and international obligations to protect and promote the rights of human rights defenders. 

They have disagreed with the police statement, citing that the three were arrested in Machakos in connection with the attack and destruction of property during the Wednesday protests.

“We strongly disagree with this narrative. We urge the state not to use the events of 25 June as a pretext for criminalising peaceful protest, silencing dissent, delegitimising human rights work, and shrinking civic space protected by our constitution,” it added. 

John Nzau has been described as a community-based human rights defender from Nairobi, while Mark Amiani is also from Kisumu, is known for safeguarding civil and political liberties. 

Francis Mwangi is also a member of the Ruaraka Social Justice Centre in Ruaraka Community, where he is involved in documenting police abuse of power and advancing accountability and social justice. 

The working group has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of security for 

human rights defenders as they face threats, including surveillance, assault, arbitrary arrest, illegal detention and criminalisation.