Press Statement by the Okoa Uchumi Campaign Stop the Abduction of Peaceful Protesters and Digital Public Defenders!
Today, several prominent activists and social media personalities were rounded up in a disturbing escalation of government intimidation. Gabriel Oguda, a popular social media activist, was allegedly abducted this morning. In his last message before going offline, Gabriel remarked that cops were at his gate. Osama Otero, who has been holding popular X Spaces opposing the Finance Bill 2024, was also reportedly abducted by unknown people. Other X users suspected to have been abducted include Drey Mwangi, TemperCR7, Harriet, Shad Khalif, Franje, Worldsmith, and Hilla254.
We, the Okoa Uchumi Campaign, are outraged by these actions. They are a gross violation of human rights and an affront to our democracy.
Peaceful protest and digital advocacy are essential freedoms in any society. The abductions and intimidation tactics used against those who dare to speak out are cowardly attempts to silence dissent and instill fear.
