Human rights activist Hussein Khalid was arrested while leading a group of activists to hold an event at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park.
The activist was addressing the press at the time of the arrest after police cordoned off the entrance to the venue from hundreds of youth who were slowly gathering to enter the venue.
The arrest came moments after police lobbed teargas canisters at a group of youth who had assembled within Nairobi Central Business District with plans to march to Uhuru Park Grounds.
Earlier, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had warned individuals who were planning to converge at the park to honour victims of police brutality who died during the anti-government protests in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
‘’Uhuru Park has been open and remains open to the public every day. Every Kenyan is allowed to come and is welcome to enjoy their Park. You can also book for events. A public park is, however, not available to be reserved for exclusive use during a public holiday. Other Kenyans will also want to enjoy it. It can be reserved on any other day. Come on a one-on-one basis, no need for seeking permissions.’’
This came after some citizen groups had gone to concerned authorities to seek permission to use the venue for an event scheduled to run alongside Mashujaa Day celebrations that were being held in Kwale County.
Boniface Mwangi, who is also an activist, had earlier reported that police had blocked them from holding their event at the park.
‘’We have been stopped from accessing Uhuru Park. He has deployed police officers, and l was told we are not allowed in there. I was with my wife and children. The police officers, and county employees manning the gate said they’re simply following orders.’’
There were plans to hold a mega Mashujaa event so as to honour those who died during the anti finance bill earlier this year.
