Teargas, protests rock Mathare over alleged abduction of businessman Joel Kariuki

Police in Mathare were on Saturday forced to use teargas to disperse protesters who took to the streets for the second day running, demanding answers over the alleged abduction of businessman and politician Joel Kariuki.

Residents accuse men who identified themselves as police officers of forcibly taking Kariuki on Thursday afternoon and bundling him into a waiting double-cab pickup.

According to his wife, Peris Wambui, Kariuki had just left one of their businesses when several men believed to be security officers intercepted him and allegedly bundled him into a double-cab pickup in full view of residents.

Since then, neither his family nor friends have heard from him.

"Bwanangu alikuwa kwa duka. Tukaachana akaniambia amekuja kwa hii duka ya chini. Tuko na duka mbili sisi ni wafanyabiashara na by 10 minutes kabla hajafika kwa hiyo duka ya chini, nikaskia kuna watu wamekuja na gari na wakatoa bunduki na wakachukua bwanangu,” said Peris.

The alleged abduction has sparked anger among locals, who are demanding that Joel Kariuki be released immediately or formally presented before a court of law if he is facing any charges.

Friday's protests brought parts of Mathare 3C to a standstill as residents poured into the streets demanding answers.

Police responded by firing teargas to disperse the demonstrators, triggering running battles in parts of the area.

"We are ready to do anything for him, lakini sasa ata mkimchukua, abduction is not even the solution. Kama angekuwa kwa police station tunajua he is in this police station, that's even better, but we don't know where he is. We want Karis. Justice for Karis,” said a resident, Diana Wanjiru.

Another resident, identified as Collins, said: “Ruto ukiingia kwa kiti ulitupromise hakutakuwa na abduction yoyote. Inakuwaje saa hii mtu ambaye ameajiri vijana wengi kazi hapa amechukuliwa ghafla?"

As residents maintain they will not relent until Joel Kariuki is produced, his family continues to appeal for his immediate release, saying his disappearance has subjected them to immense emotional distress.

"Kama hayuko police station yuko wapi? Tumeenda Pangani, Muthaiga na DCI na hayuko huko. Ako wapi?" Faith Wambui, Joel’s sister stated.

Peris added, “Ni vibaya sana kushika mtu na hawapeleki kortini. Angekuwa kortini tunaweza kumfuatilia tukijua ako kortini, lakini kwa saa hii hatujui kama wako na yeye ama ako wapi.