Six human rights defenders were on Tuesday, December 9 arrested while petitioning the Embassy of Tanzania in Kenya amid anticipated protests in the neighbouring country.
They had camped at the embassy to demand accountability for the alleged mass killings in Tanzania following the controversial presidential elections, in which Samia Suluhu won virtually unopposed.
In a statement, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) accused President William Ruto of 'shielding' Suluhu's regime and called for greater accountability.
"Police have arrested five human rights defenders who were petitioning the Embassy of Tanzania in Kenya, demanding accountability for the mass killings overseen by Samia Suluhu since 29 October," KHRC said in a statement.
Among the activists detained were Frederick Ojiro, Julius Kamau, Vincent Mboya, Lichuma, and Shem.
One of the activists, Geoffrey Mboya, clarified the presence of the team at the Embassy, saying they were there to show solidarity towards their neighbours.
"We're here to express support for the people of Tanzania as they demonstrate against a dictatorship. We are part of the East Africa community, and whatever happens in Tanzania affects all of us," he said.
A day earlier, KHRC made public its stance on the ongoing turmoil in Tanzania, as the human rights body endorsed plans for nationwide protests on December 9.
KHRC and allied organisations had issued a statement denouncing the violence and unconstitutional seizure of power in Tanzania, emphasising what it described as 'the systematic repression of democratic space'.
According to KHRC, there was a coordinated crackdown in Tanzania, which involved the use of security forces alongside foreign mercenaries targeting protestors, religious orders and human rights defenders, whilst digital platforms were being censored to erase evidence.
In Tanzania, authorities have intensified security and restricted movement on Tuesday, with all residents being urged to stay indoors.
CNN journalist issued an update on the situation in Tanzania, indicating that most of the streets in major towns were empty amid heavy military presence in most areas.
Police in Nairobi were also on high alert, and there was a considerable heavy security presence along Taifa Road, presumably to secure Re-Insurance Plaza, where the Tanzania embassy is located.
