Activists Boniface Mwangi and Hanifa Adan present themselves at DCI headquarters

Boniface Mwangi and Hanifa Adan presented themselves at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Kiambu, accompanied by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid. The group arrived at the investigative branch offices on Monday at noon, seeking answers regarding the rising number of abductions since the Finance Bill 2024 protests commenced last week.

Mwangi, who recently faced an abduction attempt, voiced his concerns directly. "We were almost abducted on Friday, so we said instead of getting abducted in the streets, we are going to present ourselves to the police. If we have broken any law, take us to court, but abduction and torture are illegal in this country," he asserted. "What DCI is doing right now is abducting people who are expressing their rights to protest."

Former Chief Justice Mutunga stood in solidarity with the activists, emphasizing the constitutional violations at play. "Have you guys read Article 238 of the Constitution? Because if you have, abductions are unconstitutional. The police are supposed to comply with human rights,"

Mutunga stated, highlighting the legal framework that mandates respect for human rights by law enforcement.

The DCI headquarters witnessed a significant gathering of youth groups outside its gates, though only the four activists and their legal representatives were allowed entry by the officers. This exclusion further fueled public outrage over the increasing abductions of Kenyans, particularly those believed to be instrumental in the anti-Finance Bill protests.

As of Monday morning, public uproar continued to grow over the abductions. Observers noted a disturbing pattern in these incidents: targeted individuals are suddenly attacked by groups of four or more and forcibly taken away in waiting cars. While most abductees have been released following public outcry, the whereabouts of Shad Khalif, a prominent mobilizer of the demonstrations, remain unknown.

The activists' move to confront the DCI head-on underscores the heightened tensions and demand for accountability in Kenya. As the nation grapples with these troubling developments, the call for adherence to constitutional protections and the safeguarding of civil liberties grows ever louder.