Activists in Kisumu have threatened to hold a mega protest over alleged harassment of Linda Wananchi supporters by security agencies in the area.
The activists who addressed the media on Friday, May 10, claimed that since the Linda Wananchi rally in Kisumu on April 26, they have been targeted for arrests on trumped up charges over their political alignment.
Their claims come following what they termed as abduction of Gabriel Oyuga also known as Omar, who was among the key figures who mobilized the public during the rally.
Oyuga who also attended the presser claimed that he was accosted by men in civilian clothing while on his way to town from his Kajulu home.
“I was seated in the front seat of the matatu. During one of the stop overs, a man who masqueraded as a passenger came in, and as I adjusted to let him in, he was joined by five others and they handcuffed me, and bundled me into a waiting car,” said Oyuga.
He claimed that he was blindfolded, and moved into another car, and then driven to Langas Police Station in Eldoret.
“During the long trip, they tortured me and interrogated me on my association with Babu Owino (Embakasi East MP) and why I was anti-government,” he said.
He claimed he was moved to various police stations in Kapsabet, Mosoriot, Kaimosi and Vihiga before being taken back to Central Police Station in Kisumu, and finally booked at Kondele Police Station.
It was there that he claimed he was accused on having bhang and ammunition, including a teargas canister, all he said were planted on him.
“As we went round, they showed me videos of me speaking in the past press conferences condemning the government. They also showed me pictures of some suspects they were looking for, and all of them were people we worked with during the mobilization of the Linda Wananchi rally. The allegations of possessing bhang and ammunition only came up when I was booked at Kondele Police Station,” said Oyuga.
Human rights activist Bonface Akach from Kisumu Peace and Justice Centre said the arrests have been systematic.
“Many others have been framed in similar manner. It is a propaganda portraying dissenting voices as criminals. Police must be accountable for their actions,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by fellow activists Joseph Mbaka and Ricky Muga, who accused the law enforcers of turning to be persecutors.
“Having opinions and affiliations are our constitutional rights,” said Muga.
“We will not be forced to be part of any political formation whose ideologies we do not subscribe to,” added Mbaka.
They threatened to hold a major peaceful protest to condemn the actions of the law enforcers, and push for actions by institutions mandated to protect human rights.
Linda Wananchi is a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party led by embattled Secretary general Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The faction has been at loggerheads with the Linda Ground faction led by Party Leader Oburu Odinga which supports President EWilliam Ruto’s government.
