Statement from George Nyongesa of Bunge La Mwananchi:
Two nights and three days after wananchi led by Bunge La Mwananchi demonstrated on the streets of Nairobi to protest against high food prices and the escalating cost of living, ten Kenyans are still being held at the Central Police Station in Nairobi because “the matter is now being viewed from a political angle and not being treated lightly”. So serious is it that we have been informed that consideration is being given by the “powers that be” to closing Jeevanjee Gardens, where Bunge La Mwananchi is headquartered in Nairobi.
Samson Ojiayo, Jacob Odipo, Gitau Gacheke, Frederick Odhiambo, Helen and five others are being held under tight surveillance. In fact, security has been beefed up at the Central Police Station. We have been informed by the DCIO that the ten must be taken to court on Tuesday morning. In the meantime, we are not being allowed contact with them despite spirited attempts.
We are demanding the production in court on Tuesday 3rd June, 2008 of all those arrested for speaking and demonstrating on behalf of the rights of the under privileged of our society.
We urge you to keep vigilance with us by spotlighting this issue and thereby protecting the freedom of expression and the rights of all Kenyans!