Eric Omondi, co-protesters released on bail after appearing in court
Comedian Eric Omondi and 16 protesters, who were arrested on Tuesday in Nairobi, have been released on a cash bail of Sh10,000 each after appearing before a Nairobi court.
The 17 were charged with taking part in an illegal demonstration outside Parliament Buildings.
In their protests, they had demanded to speak to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula about the rising cost of living in Kenya.
All the accused persons denied the charges when they appeared before Milimani Law Courts Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina.
Defence lawyers Danstan Omari and Kimani Wachira applied for the release of the accused persons on bond saying they are content creators who are only asking the government to address the rising cost of living.
“All these persons are international content creators. They went to Parliament to agitate for measures that will deal with the current high cost of living in the country. I urge the court to take the judicial notice that six million Kenyans are on the verge of hunger as per the government report,” Mr Omari said.
The prosecution did not oppose bon application.
During Tuesday’s protests, the group staged a sit-down on the road and attempted to storm Parliament Buildings.
The protesters were however dispersed by the police officers using teargas, with several of them, including Mr Omondi, being arrested.