KAJIADO, Kenya — Police in Kitengela have arrested 29 youths, including activist and former abduction victim Aslam Longton, over allegations of incitement ahead of demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests.
The arrests came amid heightened security operations across Kajiado County as authorities sought to prevent potential unrest linked to the nationwide commemorations.
Among those detained was Longton, one of the widely known “Kitengela Three” who were abducted and held incommunicado for more than a month in August 2024 before resurfacing under circumstances that triggered widespread public outrage and human rights concerns.
Police also impounded a vehicle belonging to his brother, Jamil Longton, which Aslam was reportedly driving at the time of the arrest.
Human rights activist Bob Njagi was separately arrested on Wednesday and is expected to be arraigned before the Kajiado Law Courts on Friday over allegations of incitement connected to the anniversary demonstrations.
Witnesses said the arrests followed a dramatic operation near KCB Bank along the busy Namanga Highway, where four police vehicles reportedly intercepted the group before taking them into custody.
The arrests formed part of a broader security operation targeting individuals authorities believe were mobilising participation in the demonstrations.
Kajiado County Police Commander Alex Shikondi confirmed the arrests, saying investigations were ongoing and warning that authorities would act against individuals suspected of organising unlawful protests.
“We will not allow unlawful protests. We have several suspected inciters on our radar, not only in Kitengela but across the county. They will be arraigned on Friday,” Shikondi said.
Security agencies have accused Longton and others of encouraging youths to participate in demonstrations commemorating the deadly June 2024 anti-government protests.
However, rights groups and activists have repeatedly argued that peaceful demonstrations are protected under the Constitution and should not be criminalised.
The arrests coincided with a significant security deployment across Kitengela and neighbouring areas as police monitored activities linked to the anniversary events.
Earlier in the day, a planned candlelight vigil at Kitengela Stadium was disrupted after police reportedly warned organisers against holding the gathering at the venue.
Security patrols were intensified throughout the town, with officers stationed at strategic locations and major road junctions.
The heavy police presence and fears of possible unrest led many businesses to remain closed for much of the day.
Several traders cited concerns over potential looting and property destruction, recalling incidents that occurred during previous demonstrations in the area.
Traffic along the Namanga Highway was noticeably lighter than normal as motorists avoided the area and transport operators adopted a wait-and-see approach.
“I woke up to hawk eggs only to find almost empty streets. People are afraid because of the heavy police presence in town,” said Kitengela resident Pascal Muthoki.
“Most business owners fear possible looting and opted not to open their premises.”
Major supermarkets remained closed, while only a handful of transit trucks were seen using the highway.
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Many long-haul transporters reportedly parked their vehicles at the Namanga One Stop Border Post (OSBP) as they monitored developments.
The uncertainty also affected other sectors of the local economy.
Operations at the Kitengela slaughterhouse were significantly reduced, with traders reporting fewer transactions than on a normal business day.
The slowdown reflected broader concerns among residents and business owners as authorities maintained heightened security measures ahead of the anniversary demonstrations.
The June 25 commemorations were organised to remember victims of the 2024 Gen Z-led protests, which erupted across Kenya over controversial tax proposals and broader governance concerns, leaving dozens dead and many others injured.
