Vocal Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid has defended his decision to stand with activists and journalists arrested in Marereni, Malindi, saying his actions were guided by the principle of justice and accountability.
In a statement shared on X, Khalid dismissed claims that his support for the group amounted to opposition to counter-terrorism efforts.
He said communities along the Coast have suffered both from terrorism and heavy-handed counter-terrorism operations, insisting that legitimate security work should not turn into a tool for harassing innocent citizens.
“We do not oppose the fight against terrorism,” he stated. “However, we shall not remain silent when the fight against terrorism is turned into a tool of harassment and oppression against innocent people.”
Khalid said police checkpoints along major highways in the coastal region have become a source of frustration and fear for residents.
He claimed some officers manning the roadblocks engage in extortion, arbitrary arrests, and mistreatment of travelers, particularly women and children.
According to him, while the checkpoints serve a legitimate purpose, they have also “become sites of abuse and injustice,” disrupting transport and harming local livelihoods.
He said journeys that should take three or four hours often last up to ten hours because of repeated stops and intrusive checks.
Khalid announced that Vocal Africa will formally write to national security chiefs to demand an investigation into the reported misconduct and review the operations of coastal police units.
He stressed that no one, including law enforcement officers, is above the law.
“For those new to the subject of counter-terrorism, the easiest way to radicalize a community is by alienating and oppressing them,” he said, warning that abusive policing could undermine the government’s efforts to build trust and cooperation in the region.
Khalid added that his advocacy has always been rooted in fairness and justice, regardless of religion, tribe, or background.
He maintained that his stand was consistent with his long-term commitment to human rights and social justice.
The remarks follow the arrest of several activists and journalists in Marereni who were reportedly serving court orders to Anti-Terror Police Unit officers accused of violating legal directives.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to police conduct and the balance between national security and human rights in Kenya’s coastal counties.