Former Presidential Aspirant Reuben Kigame Arrested and Released During Eldoret Demonstration
“I was leading a group of young people in an anti-abduction demonstration when police officers stopped us and forcibly took me to the Eldoret Central Police Station,” Kigame said.
By Jessica Nyaboke
Former 2022 presidential aspirant Reuben Kigame was briefly arrested and later released while leading a demonstration in Eldoret on Monday. Kigame stated that the peaceful protest was organized to highlight the alarming rise in youth abductions in the area, which has caused growing fear and unrest among residents.
“I was leading a group of young people in an anti-abduction demonstration when police officers stopped us and forcibly took me to the Eldoret Central Police Station,” Kigame said. He explained that during his time at the station, officers interrogated him about holding a protest without obtaining the necessary permit, a requirement under Kenyan law.
The protest followed reports of over ten youths being abducted by unknown individuals within the past month. Concerned residents, including families of the victims, have demanded action from authorities to address the escalating cases and ensure the safe return of those who have gone missing.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, a youth leader identified as Mzalendo voiced the frustrations of the group, noting that their intentions were not to disrupt peace but to seek justice for the abducted youth. “We mean well for the country, but we are deeply concerned about the plight of our families and communities. Our parents are in agony, and we feel abandoned by the government,” he said.
Mzalendo further lamented that the avenues traditionally used to address their concerns, such as public gatherings and community forums, have been restricted by police officers. “We are left with no platform to voice our grievances, forcing us to take to the streets to demand answers and justice,” he added.
The abductions have drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters, including religious leaders, who have called for the immediate release of the missing youth. They emphasized the need for dialogue and urged the youth to avoid misusing social media while highlighting their concerns. “We understand their pain, but it is important to use peaceful and constructive methods to seek solutions,” a local pastor said.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between citizens and authorities over the right to protest and the need for government accountability. Many residents in Eldoret have urged law enforcement agencies to investigate the abductions thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice.
While Kigame was released after a brief detention, the demonstration highlighted broader concerns about the freedom to protest and the growing mistrust between citizens and the state. As the issue unfolds, the affected families and local leaders are calling for a swift and transparent resolution to address the disappearances and restore public confidence.
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