Kisumu activist found dumped in a sugarcane plantation

By Peter Ochieng

Kisumu based human rights activist Boniface Ogutu Akach has been found.

Akach was found on Friday abandoned in a sugarcane plantation in Chemelil, about 48 hours after he went missing.

The Kisumu Peace and Justice Centre confirmed the activist had been found, and that he is now undergoing treatment.

"Thank you Comrades! Our comrade Boniface Ogutu has been found. He needs medical attention as he was found abandoned in a sugarcane plantation in Chemelil. He is responsive. We are grateful that he has been found and we hope the perpetrators will soon be brought to book. Viva."

Akach went missing on Thursday, at the height of anti-government protests to push for the lowering of the cost of living.

He was reportedly abducted at Kassagam fly over in Kisumu, "by persons in plain clothes on three motorbikes while on his way to Kisumu Peace and Justice Center."

On Friday, members of the social justice movement in a strong worded statement condemned his arrest, calling for his immediate release.

"We call upon the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Boniface Ogutu Akach. We remind the government of its obligation to uphold and protect the rights enshrined in our constitution and international human rights treaties to which our country is a signatory."

Akach alias Roho Juu has over the years been the face of human rights activism in Kisumu and beyond.