The government has resorted to fear-selling tactics to try and shut down the #RejectFinanceBill movement. In a series of alarming incidents, several vocal youths and activists protesting against the Finance Bill 2024 have been abducted by suspected plain-clothed policemen.
These abductions have ignited widespread outrage among Kenyans, who are calling for the immediate release of these individuals.
Here is a list of the abducted activists.
1. Gabriel Oguda
Gabriel Oguda, a prominent Azimio blogger and critic of the government, was taken from his home at around 3 AM on Tuesday, June 25.
At 2 AM, Oguda tweeted, “Guys, cops are at my gate.”
Minutes later, his brother, Zachary Oguda, confirmed that armed men had taken him away.
Minutes later, his brother, Zachary Oguda posted: “I can confirm that my brother has been taken by unknown gunmen from his house five minutes ago.”
Despite his abduction, Oguda’s X is still active with posts being made, rallying calls for Kenyans to turn up for demonstrations on Tuesday.
Speaking of the tweets, his brother Zachary Oguda told the nation, “Any tweets coming from Gabriel Oguda were already scheduled. He is not safe.”
2. Shadrack Kiprono (Shady Khalif)
Shadrack Kiprono, known as Shady Khalif, was ambushed by civilians in a white car outside a restaurant in Nairobi’s South B area shortly after 8:00 PM.
The abduction came shortly after discussing his involvement in the June 18 protests on live TV.
Despite CCTV footage capturing the incident, his whereabouts remain unknown.
3. Osama Otero
Osama Otero aka Sir-Rap-A-Lot, who hosts popular X Spaces opposing the Finance Bill 2024, was reportedly abducted around the same time as Oguda.
Prior to his abduction, he tweeted about the presence of five alleged officers near his home at 3AM.
His brother, Zadock, is also reportedly missing.
4. John Frank Githiaka (Franje)
John Frank Githiaka, also known as Franje, an active protester, techbro, and social media activist, was reportedly arrested from his office at Beast Athletic Offices on Baringo Road in Kahawa Sukari by three suspected armed policemen.
Githiaka was allegedly working on a system meant to help people recall and impeach their area MPs.
There is a CCTV video showing his abduction.
The footage shows Franje standing next to three plain-clothed men in his office at Beast Athletic Offices on Baringo Road in Kahawa Sukari. They appear to be engaging in a conversation before another plain-clothed man with a gun enters the room. One of the men standing next to Franje hands the man with a gun a grey backpack, after which he escorts Franje out of the office, followed by the three other men. Two of the men then re-enter the office to retrieve an item from the grey couch before deciding to leave.
5. Drey Mwangi
Drey Mwangi was also abducted from his residence during the night by suspected officers. His whereabouts are currently unconfirmed.
Other vocal Anti-Finance Bill activists who have beeen kidnapped include; TemperCR7, Harriet, Worldsmith, and Hilla254.
These abductions have sparked significant outrage across Kenya. Since Tuesday morning, the hashtag #RejectFinanceBill has been trending on social media platforms, with over four million tweets.
@AlinurMohamed_ tweeted: “Abducting our comrades shall not stop us from fighting for this nation. Kindly RETWEET #RejectFinanceBill2024.”
@MigunaMiguna commented: “Freedom is coming today! No retreat. No surrender. Bravo, revolutionary Gen-Zs and Millennials.”
As the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstration gather traction all over the country, netizens are watching closely, hoping for the safe return of these brave individuals who have dared to speak out.
By Vivian K.