Kiprono could be seen being bundled into the white Prado which was then seen turning to its right and driving away.
CCTV footage has surfaced showing how social media personality Shadrack Kiprono, popularly known as Shad Khalif was abducted on Sunday, June 23 in Nairobi’s South B area.
In the 36-second clip shared all over social media platforms and captured from a restaurant, it was all normal when Kiprono, who appeared to be dressed in a white hoodie, was seen walking towards a vehicle.
Unbeknownst to him, a white Toyota Prado was parked right next to the vehicle he went to. Before he could head back, out burst a group of two men who grabbed him, a third one joining in restraining him.
As the commotion drew the attention of the restaurant and passers-by along the street, Kiprono could be seen being bundled into the white Prado which was then seen turning to its right and driving away.
Here is the video:
CCTV footage of Shad Khalif’s abduction#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/8v9sGPopv9
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) June 23, 2024
Initial reports claimed that Kiprono was abducted by suspected undercover detectives. While the motive for the abduction is not yet clear, Kiprono has been passionately involved in the Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.
The banker cum credit risk professional manager recently appeared on a Citizen TV interview alongside Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino and human rights activist, Boniface Mwangi, a day after the protests began.
It was here that he opened up on how he managed to convert the online attention regarding the protests to the ground in the form of the distribution of flyers across the city, a matter that not only spread across the masses but also led to monetary contributions flowing in from well-wishers which allowed them to print more.
His actions drew volunteers who ended up forming a team of 10 receiving small contributions. Kiprono at the time disclosed that the team required around Ksh28,500 to facilitate t-shirts and fare for those who would attend the protests the following day.
“I want to put someone on the spot right now…Mr Babu Owino, my team has said that by the time we leave here, we don’t know how you’re going to do it…we need half a million (Ksh500,000) from you to facilitate that team,” he told the lawmaker during the interview.
He apologised later on in an X post saying “I misspoke on live television, and for that, I apologize. As you can imagine, I was very nervous to be in that setting, which led to me saying something I shouldn’t have. I apologize for that.”
The incident nonetheless adds to the notable abductions that have occurred since the protests began, from Billy Simani to Dr Austin Omondi, all released, and a series of arrests targeting influential people amidst the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
Boniface Mwangi announced on Friday, June 21 that he had to go offline for an undisclosed period of time after surviving a possible abduction by officers alleged to be of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In Nairobi, over 200 demonstrators were arrested during protests against the planned hikes, with civil society groups vowing to continue their demonstrations despite the crackdown.
Police officers on horses during Finance Bill protests in Nairobi. /UZALENDO NEWS