Calls for the release of youth activist Allan Ademba dominated political discussions in Ol Kalou on Friday, with leaders allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warning of action if authorities do not free him and other young people arrested during the parliamentary by-election.
Speaking at a public rally in Ol Kalou, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina accused the government of targeting youth activists and using security agencies to intimidate young people involved in civic and political activities.
She claimed that Ademba was being held at Ol Kalou Police Station and alleged that plans were in place to arrest him again after his release.
According to Maina, security officers had strategically positioned vehicles linked to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to facilitate a possible rearrest.
She argued that the continued arrests of youth activists were creating fear among young people who were actively participating in civic matters and voter registration campaigns.
The lawmaker further claimed that the arrests were part of a broader effort to discourage youth-led voter registration initiatives ahead of the 2027 General Election. She maintained that young people should be allowed to engage in lawful civic activities without fear of intimidation or arrest.
Maina directed her remarks to local investigative authorities, calling on them to release Ademba and any other youths who had been detained during the by-election period.
Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina.
She warned that residents could take matters into their own hands if those in custody were not freed.
Her comments came a day after Ademba was arrested while monitoring and sharing updates about the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. The youth activist is widely known as the founder of the “Niko Kadi” voter registration campaign, an initiative that encourages young Kenyans to register as voters.
According to his lawyer, Melvine Thogo, Ademba was arrested by individuals who identified themselves as officers from the DCI. The lawyer said the officers accused him of filming election activities without possessing a press accreditation pass.
Security agencies reportedly defended the arrest, stating that it was a preventive measure.
Authorities are said to have raised concerns that some of Ademba’s social media posts could increase tension or interfere with peace during the highly contested by-election.
Before his arrest, Ademba had posted several photos and videos on his X account showing voters lining up at polling stations across Ol Kalou. The content mainly documented events taking place during voting and provided updates from different locations.
The arrest has since drawn criticism from opposition leaders, youth groups, and supporters of civic engagement initiatives. Many have questioned whether documenting public election activities and encouraging voter registration should result in criminal action.
