Several university students made up of leaders were arrested yesterday while they were holding a press conference at a hotel in Nairobi.
They were later released on police bail in the evening, a police officer said.
Fifty-six student leaders were selected from various universities. They were arrested while holding a press conference at Chester House in Nairobi.
University student representatives have called a press conference to express their support for the Azimio mass protests scheduled for Monday 20
They were arrested and taken to Nairobi Central Police Station. Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei claimed that the student leaders did not inform the police that they would be holding a press conference.
The Kenya University Students Organization has condemned the arrest of university students and called for the immediate release of its members.
The secretariat of the Kenya University Students Organization said in a statement that the arrests and detentions were illegal, adding that students have the right to freedom of expression.
KUSO said that the detained students had their rights violated.
The released statement said in part that KUSO, as an organization dedicated to the promotion of human rights, condemns this act in the strongest possible terms.
The student body called on the authorities to release the students and ensure that they are not subjected to any further harassment or ill-treatment.
As an organization, we also call on the government to respect the rule of law and due process and ensure that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, are treated equally and fairly under the rule of law.
KUSO further called on all parties to work towards a peaceful and constructive resolution of any existing differences.
The student body also asked the authorities to refrain from any actions that could further escalate tensions or lead to violence.
