According to reports, tension erupted outside Nyahururu Police Station after supporters of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) staged demonstrations demanding the immediate release of several Gen Z supporters who were arrested on Tuesday.
The protesters, led by Hon. Dorcas Nyokabi, accused police of unlawfully detaining the youths and called for their immediate release. The demonstration intensified as supporters gathered outside the station, chanting slogans against the Officer Commanding the Station (OCS), Inspector Barasa, while demanding that he resign.
Witnesses said chants of “Barasa must go!” echoed through the police station compound as demonstrators expressed frustration over what they described as the continued detention of the young supporters. The protesters argued that those arrested had not committed any offence warranting prolonged detention and insisted that their constitutional rights be respected.
Addressing the crowd, Hon. Dorcas Nyokabi criticized Inspector Barasa, alleging that he had refused to release the detained supporters despite growing public pressure. She maintained that law enforcement officers must operate within the Constitution and uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
Nyokabi further called for Inspector Barasa’s resignation, claiming that his actions had undermined public confidence in the police service. She urged the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure justice is served, emphasizing that no Kenyan should face discrimination because of their political beliefs.
Supporters gathered outside the station also alleged that the arrests were politically motivated. However, the National Police Service had not issued an immediate response to those claims at the time of publication.
The demonstrators vowed to continue pushing for the release of the detained youths until their demands are addressed. Meanwhile, security at the police station was heightened as additional officers were deployed to prevent the demonstrations from escalating into violence. Members of the public also gathered nearby to monitor the unfolding events.
By the time of publication, the National Police Service had not released an official statement explaining the reasons for the continued detention of the suspects or indicating whether they would be released or arraigned in court. Inspector Barasa had also not publicly responded to calls for his resignation.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity across the country, with increased scrutiny over the treatment of political supporters. Human rights advocates have continued to stress the importance of protecting the constitutional rights of arrested persons, including access to due process and fair treatment under the law, as investigations into the arrests continue.