Coast-based rights group Haki Africa has expressed concerns following alleged arrest of two Lamu based human rights defenders on Friday morning.
Walid Ahmed and Ishaq Abubakar were part of a protest organized to call for the immediate suspension of the Lamu Coal project before being arrested.
Haki Africa Executive Director Khalid Hussein reminded the police that article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every Kenyan the right to protest and demonstrate, adding that processions and demonstrations are an extension of the peoples’ freedom of expression and association.
"Haki Arica joins hands with the people of Lamu, Coast and Kenya in general to strongly oppose the Lamu Coal Project. We support efforts by Lamu human rights defenders to resist the project including carrying out peaceful protests and demonstrations to raise awareness of the dangers of the project," said Khalid.
Addressing the press flanked by other organisation leaders, he noted that Lamu residents will not be cowed by intimidation from the police or any other body over their bid to oppose the project.
"Haki Africa hereby demands for the immediate unconditional release of Walid Ahmed and Ishaq Abubakar. We wish to inform the police that such intimidation will only act to strengthen the movement against the Lamu Coal Project."