Protest in Sololo as two elders abducted by unknown people

Residents protest over alleged abduction of two elders in Sololo, Moyale constituency./HANDOUT

Residents of Sololo in Moyale Constituency staged protests following the alleged abduction of former chief Dabassa Dambi and community elder Gurach Dambala by unknown people on Saturday.

The demonstrators issued an ultimatum to authorities, demanding their immediate release.

The protesters maintained that if the two were suspected of any wrongdoing, authorities should follow due process and present them before a court of law.

“If there is a case against them, let them be taken to court,” a resident said.

They accused security agencies of failing to address what they termed as rising cases of abductions in the region.

According to the protesters, the two had previously spoken out against an alleged boundary dispute affecting part of Marsabit County.

“They were arrested because they stood against injustice meted out against our people by the same government we supported as a community,” one of the protesters said.

They called on the Interior Minister to intervene and urged him to order security agencies to produce the two elders, saying the community and family members were worried about their safety.

Former chief Dabassa was reportedly taken from his home on Saturday, while the other elder was allegedly abducted on his way to Nairobi.

The former chief was described as a principled elder who observed and respected human rights.

“Mzee Dambala is known as a peaceful man who solves disputes. He is a revered community elder known for his unmatched integrity and love for peace. He is a businessman who has never been at odds with the government. He has recently been in and out of hospital. Now, if you take such an elder to cold cells, it is an unforgivable sin,” said one community member.

The former chief served in the same government accused of his abduction for four decades.