Police Arrest Azimio Student Leaders During Nairobi CBD Hotel Raid [VIDEO]

Police had accused the students of holding an unauthorized meeting at...

admin admin
Mar 18, 2023 - 14:05
0
Police Arrest Azimio Student Leaders During Nairobi CBD Hotel Raid [VIDEO]
A group student leaders were arrested while addressing the Press on Saturday, March 18, 2023. /TWITTER

Dozens of student leaders affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja coalition were arrested on Saturday, March 18 while staging a press conference in a hotel in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

Police had accused the students of holding an unauthorized meeting at Chester House in Nairobi to advise their followers ahead of the Monday, March 20 demonstrations.

A video seen by Viral Tea revealed a contingent of police vehicles camped outside the premises with residents left to watch as the students were bundled into the police vehicles.

Detectives were also reported to have stormed the premises while the presser was going on. Nearly 50 students drawn from different universities were handcuffed pending being arraigned and charged on Monday, March 20.

The students who are serving under the umbrella of the Kenya University Students Organization (KUSO) had prepared to give directives to other student organisations across the country. 

They expressed their agitation against their arrest, accusing the police officers of violating their right to associate and express themselves without fear of consequences by the government.

More police officers then arrived to move the students to the Central Police Station where they underwent interrogations, with Central Police officers processing them with fear of spending the whole weekend at the Central Police post.

Meanwhile the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) under Francis Atwoli on Saturday, March 18 warned its members and Kenyan employees against skipping work on March 20 as it will not be a public holiday.

“As the umbrella body for workers, we wish to remind workers to secure their jobs by reporting to their workstations.

“We urge workers to refrain from participating in any activities that may jeopardize their employment status,' said Ben Okwaro, COTU's deputy secretary general.

Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, on Tuesday, March 14, illegally declared March 20 as a public holiday, with only the Interior Cabinet Secretary having the legal powers to declare a public holiday.

Ugunja Member of Parliament, Opiyo Wandayi, two days later, pushed employers to release their employees to join the protests. 

"Since Monday has been declared a public holiday, all employers except the media should release their employees and allow them to participate in their national duty. We expect employers will understand," noted Wandayi.

However, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua advised employees against absconding from work on that day, noting that police will escort them to their places of work and guard critical infrastructure.

Gachagua's ally and former Nairobi governor, Mike Sonko moved to court to stop Raila from conducting the demonstrations.

Collage of Raila Odinga and Mike Sonko. /VIRALTEAKE