Police Arrest Kenyans for Discussing Israel- Palestine War

Kenyan police apprehended three individuals in Lavington, accusing them of convening a gathering to deliberate on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at approximately 6:03 pm.

Notably, activist Boniface Mwangi verified the arrests of Imaduddin Ahmed, Muhammad Musa, and Ubax Abdi, disclosing that they were taken into custody at around 4:00 pm and transported to Muthangari Police Station.

Expressing his disbelief, Mwangi remarked, “Kenya Police have arrested Imaduddin Ahmed, Muhammad Musa, and Ubax Abdi at Cheche Books. They were arrested for meeting in a private space to discuss the Gaza genocide. Imagine that!”

This incident has raised concerns regarding the freedom of speech and expression, as these individuals were detained for discussing a global issue. It underscores the need for ongoing discussions about civil liberties and the boundaries of public discourse in Kenya.

“Kenya isn’t an extension of Israeli. These arrests are illegal and foolish!” He added.

Another source told a local media house that the three were found in possession of a Palestinian flag.

Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenyan chapter, an organisation that has repeatedly called on Israel to cease attacks in Gaza, stated that it had dispatched agents to the police station to handle the situation.

“This action is deeply disturbing and must be condemned. For the police to disrupt a peaceful private gathering is unlawful,” stated Houghton.

On Saturday, residents of Mombasa, including Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, held protests against the ongoing Israel-Palestine battle that has led to deaths along the Gaza Strip.

“We call on our government and every government in the world with any ounce of respect towards human rights and international law to call for an immediate ceasefire,” lamented Ali.

“Gaza is at the moment cut off from food, electricity, water, and fuel whilst weapons that are causing fourth-degree burns are being unleashed on innocent civilians mostly women and children.”

According to reports, the death toll from the Israel- Palestine war has risen to 4,651.