Azimio protestors released on cash bail after denying opposition riot charges
Over 90 supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga rounded up in Eastlands Nairobi during the anti-government protests were charged with taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 79 of the penal code.
Most of the suspects were rounded up in Makongeni and Shauri Moyo estates along Jogoo Road.
Others were arrested at Jacaranda and Savannah in Donholm within Embakasi East sub-county and others in Dandora.
Some of the suspects who allegedly stoned police officers quelling the protests were charged with assaulting police officers in due execution of their duties contrary to section 103 (a) of the National Police Service Act of 2011.
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Two police officers at Shauri Moyo and Makongeni police stations were injured during the protests.
A number of the suspects allegedly clobbered by the police during the time of the arrest could not stand up in court and could not be charged.
Senior Principal Magistrate Helen Okwani ordered that the suspects be taken to the hospital for treatment before they are charged.
The suspects responded differently to the charges, with most of them denying them.
Those only charged with taking part in unlawful assembly were released on a cash bail of Sh5000 while those with additional charges of assaulting police officers were freed on a cash bail of Sh30, 000.
All the suspects were represented by lawyers Samuel Ayora and Rachel Nyambura.
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The lawyers pleaded for lenient bail and bond terms for the suspects.
Mr Ayora told Senior Principal Magistrate Okwani to take note that more than 24 suspects were being charged with striking a police officer with a stone, but he is still alive.
Those who pleaded guilty were remanded in prisons until July 17, when the prosecution will avail facts of the case against them before they are convicted and sentenced.
A 15 – year – old boy was among the few that admitted that they were arrested participating in the violent demonstrations.
The injured ones who could not be charged will be arraigned on July 20 for plea-taking.
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