Human rights activist and VOCAL Africa staff member Sketty Walid was released late last night following the intervention of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station in Mombasa.
The release followed widespread condemnation from human rights groups and activists.
According to reports, VOCAL Africa described the incident as deeply troubling, saying it highlighted ongoing concerns about police conduct and the treatment of human rights defenders.
According to the VOCAL Africa, Walid had gone to the station in response to urgent appeals from members of the public who complained that youths were being arrested indiscriminately on the streets of Mombasa.
While at the station seeking clarification on the reported arrests, Walid was reportedly roughed up by police officers before being arrested himself.
Following his arrest, the organisation demanded his immediate and unconditional release, warning that the incident raised serious questions about due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law which grabbed the attention of members of the public.
This made the police officers to be prompted to release him.
