Tension rocked the Thika Law Courts on Wednesday, July 16 after a vocal activist, known online as @Its_Bahaa, was dramatically arrested mid-court session by plainclothes officers, sparking confusion and concern among attendees.
The activist, whose real name is yet to be released, had attended the session to stand in solidarity with youth linked to the recent Saba Saba Day protests, several of whom were facing charges connected to the violent demonstrations.
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden interruption as several officers approached Bahaa without offering an explanation. “They just came for him as proceedings were going on,” said one court observer. “People started whispering and asking why he was being arrested. It didn’t make sense.”
Footage circulating online shows the activist being whisked away by officers as others in the courtroom protested. Shortly after, Bahaa confirmed his arrest via his X (formerly Twitter) handle:
“I have been arrested inside Thika Law Courts, currently being held at Thika Police Station.”
This incident follows his recent appearance at the Kahawa Law Courts, where he joined fellow activists in supporting eight Homa Bay County youth accused of terrorism. The suspects were linked to the burning of Mawego Police Station during the funeral of late blogger Albert Ojwang’. They pleaded not guilty and are currently remanded at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
Another activist, Hanifa, disclosed that the suspects at Thika Law Courts were facing robbery with violence charges, raising fresh concerns about the criminalization of protest-related arrests.
The incident comes amid a broader crackdown by the government on dissent and protest organizers. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday revealed that 1,500 individuals had been arrested in connection with three waves of anti-government protests held between June 17 and July 7. Of these, 50 are under investigation for serious crimes, while 71 face anti-terror probes.
The government maintains that the arrests are aimed at upholding law and order. However, critics argue that peaceful expression and lawful solidarity are being wrongly targeted.
As of publication, police had not issued an official statement on Bahaa’s arrest or the charges he may face.
