Human rights organisations and social justice groups have condemned the arrest and detention of three activists following recent protests in Kenya, accusing authorities of abusing power and violating constitutional rights.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has strongly criticised the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for what it calls the “unlawful arrest” of Paulmark Dornald, John Mulingwa, and Mutunge Mwangi. The three were reportedly taken into custody on Friday, 27th June, after taking part in the protests earlier in the week.

“These are courageous citizens confronting a regime that fears accountability,” KHRC stated. “The DCI must immediately and unconditionally release them.”

According to the Social Justice Centre Nairobi Chapter, the three were detained at Muthaiga Police Station without being informed of any charges and were denied access to legal representation, in violation of Article 49 of Kenya’s Constitution.

“We are outraged by these arbitrary arrests,” read a statement from the Social Justice Movement Coordinating Committee. “Instead of silencing the people, the state must face its crimes. The people’s demands are just. We will not be intimidated. We will not stop. Until all are free.”

DCI defends protest arrests

The DCI, however, claimed the arrests were part of an “intelligence-led operation,” saying the three had incited violence during the June 25th protests and were attempting to flee to Mombasa. The agency accused them of organising “massive theft and destruction of property” and plans to arraign them in court on Monday.

But human rights defenders argue that the arrests are part of a larger pattern of repression by the state. Protests that began over a controversial finance bill and police brutality have resulted in widespread violence. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also reported 19 fatalities, 531 injuries, 15 enforced disappearances, and 179 arrests.