Human rights activist and VOCAL Africa staff member Sketty Walid was released late last night following the intervention of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central Police Station in Mombasa.
Walid’s release came hours after his arrest, which had sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and activists. VOCAL Africa described the incident as deeply troubling, saying it highlighted ongoing concerns about police conduct and the treatment of human rights defenders.
Earlier in the evening, VOCAL Africa had issued an alert strongly condemning Walid’s arrest at Central Police Station.
According to the organisation, Walid had gone to the station in response to urgent appeals from members of the public who complained that youths were being arrested indiscriminately on the streets of Mombasa.
The youths were allegedly being detained in police cells without their details being entered into the Occurrence Book (OB), a mandatory requirement under Kenyan law meant to safeguard against arbitrary detention.
While at the station seeking clarification on the reported arrests, Walid was reportedly roughed up by police officers before being arrested himself. VOCAL Africa said he was acting within his role as a human rights defender, responding to public concerns and seeking accountability from authorities.
Following his arrest, the organisation demanded his immediate and unconditional release, warning that the incident raised serious questions about due process, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
The arrest triggered a wave of online outrage, with activists and members of the public calling for his freedom and urging police to respect legal procedures.
VOCAL Africa CEO Hussein Khalid confirmed his release and thanked everyone who assisted in securing his release.
“We can confirm that Sketty Walid was released later last night through the intervention of the OCS of Central Police Station, Mombasa. We thank everyone who was concerned and assisted in following up,” he stated in a post.
The organisation confirmed his release in a public statement, thanking members of the public, civil society partners, and supporters who raised concern and closely followed up on his situation as it unfolded.
Walid’s release later that night was welcomed by rights groups, though concerns remain about the circumstances that led to his detention. Civil society organisations say the incident reflects a broader pattern of harassment and intimidation faced by activists who challenge alleged abuses by security agencies.
