KHRC condemns arrest of Khelef Khalifa

By Jabali Media

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has condemned the arrest of Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) board member Khelef Khalifa.

According to KHRC, the human rights activist is being unlawfully detained at Malindi Police Station, in Kilifi County.

“Police have detained Muslim for Human Rights Board member Khelef Khalifa and his family in Mida, near Malindi. Khalifa challenged the officers for hiding their faces when they stopped his car,” the Commission said in a statement.

The Commission demanded for his immediate release.

“Khalifa was simply upholding the law, and now his freedom is being threatened. We demand the immediate release of Khalifa and his family. The police must release them immediately.”

Former Chief Justice Willy Munyoki Mutunga condemned police for the growing trend of arresting ‘suspects’ in the presence of members of their families.  

“Why are they arresting the family? The police are now arresting activists in the presence of their families to intimidate them as well,” said Mutunga.

By the time of going to press, the National Police Service (NPS) had not issued a statement over his arrest, by the time of going to press.

His arrest comes a day after the detainment of social media influencer Aoko Otieno.

“Yesterday, the DCI stormed Aoko's home with more than three Subaru vehicles in a blatant show of force. They ransacked her house, seized her electronics (phones, laptop) without justification.  She is still detained without a valid reason. Absolute abuse of power. #FreeAoko,” her handler shared online.

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino termed charges against her as ‘limping.’

I went to see @AokoOtieno_maverick today at @DCI_Kenya headquarters. The charge on her is vexatious, frivolous, fickle and limping. The DCI is on a fishing expedition. #FreeAoko. She’s being held at Muthaiga Police Station and they have refused to admit her on bail which is her constitutional right.”