The Law Society of Kenya has condemned the abduction of a popular protester Shadrack Kiprono famously known as Shad Khalif.
Khalif who has been vocal against the proposed Finance Bill was allegedly abducted from a shopping centre in South B, Nairobi.
The abduction was staged on Sunday evening and is the latest to target those perceived to be opposed to the Finance Bill 2024.
Family and friends said Khalif was missing after his abduction by unknown people who had trailed him to the area.
In a statement on Monday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo called for the immediate release of Khalif.
“Yesterday evening, another innocent young Kenyan fell victim to the draconian tactics of suspected police officers. Shadrack Kiprono was violently abducted by unidentified persons believed to be intelligence officers in South B while getting into his vehicle,” she said.
“We condemn the sustained unconstitutionalities and atrocities being perpetrated by the police, and demand the immediate release of Shad.”
A black double-cab pickup and white Toyota Prado were seen trailing him before he was forcibly abducted in South B, Nairobi on Sunday evening by men suspected to be plainclothes detectives over his assumed prominent role in the protests.
“This was not an arrest as the police did not identify themselves or engage in any conversation before the arrest to inform him of his rights,” she added.
She said the society will do all it can to find Shad’s whereabouts and identify his kidnappers.
The country has witnessed a series of abductions of individuals who have been vocal, supporting the anti-Finance Bill protests.
Khalif’s abduction came hours after medic Dr Austin Omondi who was also in the protests was abducted and released.
He was released at the Parklands police station on Sunday evening after persistent online protests.
Khalif has been vocal in opposing the bill.
He even held interviews explaining how he got himself and his friends in the drive.
He said he has no financier and leader in the protests insisting the movement is organic.
Kanu leader Gideon Moi has condemned the reported abduction of participants of the anti-Finance Bill protests.
Moi said Kenya is a country of the rule of law and this should not be happening.
He went on to say that if anyone is suspected of wrongdoing they must be arrested as per the law and presented in court.
“The emerging pattern where young people are being violently abducted on account of engineering the protests against the Finance Bill, 2024 is deeply troubling and warrants unequivocal condemnation,” Gideon said.
The former Baringo Senator said that any attempts to silence Kenyans who are speaking against heavy taxation and bad economic policies are unacceptable.
