Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition Party has accused the police of arresting and illegally detaining Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and eight other key members of the coalition.

Martha Karua accused police of holding nine members of the coalition “incommunicado” after they were allegedly arrested on Wednesday as Azimio led countrywide protests.

In a statement, Karua said it remains unclear to the coalition the whereabouts of Owino, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, Kilifi County Speaker Teddy Mwambire after they were nabbed.

She says police in Nairobi are also holding Mabatini MCA Wilfred Odallo, Ngei MCA Redson Onyango, and Nairobi County Assembly Budget Officers Erick Otieno and Anthony Otsula.

Also reported to be in police custody in unknown locations after their arrest on Wednesday morning are Raila Odinga’s bodyguard Maurice Ogeta and his Spokesman Dennis Onyango.

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“These arrests and or abductions are desperate attempts by the illegitimate Ruto regime to paralyse Azimio and its top leaders and to sabotage the exercise of our constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations,” lamented Karua.

“We demand the immediate release of those detained noting that their detention is not only malicious but also unlawful. If it were not so, they would have been taken before the nearest courts and charged immediately,” she added.

Karua accuses President William Ruto of overseeing use of excessive force by police in Kibra, Mathare, Embakasi, Kamukunji, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kisii, Kisumu and other areas to quell demos.

“We remind the police that each officer will account individually for these unlawful acts.

“Our lawyers have instructions to proceed with the necessary legal action.”

Azimio la Umoja led by Raila has vowed to continue with the widespread anti-government demonstrations on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to push for a reduction of living costs.