DCP leaders demand release of 'Niko Kadi' mobilizer Allans Ademba arrested during Ol Kalou by-election

Speaking on Friday during a thanksgiving tour in Ol Kalou following DCP's by-election victory, Advocate Njeri Maina condemned the arrest of Ademba and other young people, accusing authorities of targeting Gen Z activists.

"As we celebrate yesterday's win, a comrade, a brave Gen Z who has led a campaign that has registered over 2.9 million first-time voters was arrested. I am calling for the release of our comrade Allans Ademba. I am also calling for the release of all Gen Zs who were arrested yesterday in Ol Kalou. Release them or charge them," she said.

Maina further alleged that Ademba was being held at the Ol Kalou Police Station and claimed plans were underway to re-arrest him even if he secured his release.

"We know Allans Ademba is being held here in Ol Kalou. We also know DCI officers have been brought in to re-arrest him once he is released. We are telling the Officer Commanding the station to release Allans Ademba and the other young people. We will come for them and escort them home," she said.

Earlier, Gachagua also criticised the arrests, describing the charges against the youths as fabricated.

"As we speak, the DCI in Ol Kalou has arrested our young people, the Gen Z. Some have been taken to court and others are reported missing. Those young people are innocent and they must be allowed to go home," Gachagua told journalists during a press briefing.

Ademba announced his arrest through a post on his X account on Thursday, stating that he had been apprehended in Ol Kalou and taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices.

"I've been arrested. Niko Ol Kalau DCI..." he posted, without providing further details on the circumstances surrounding his arrest.

Before his arrest, Ademba had shared updates from the by-election, claiming that newly registered voters were not being allowed to vote under Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) rules. He also posted photos and videos showing voters queuing at polling stations early in the morning.

Ademba rose to national prominence earlier this year after launching the #TukoKadi campaign, a youth-led digital mobilisation initiative encouraging eligible Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election. The campaign has since expanded beyond social media into grassroots voter registration drives across the country.