Suspected protesters released on cash bail after denying charges in court
More than 90 suspects who were arrested on Wednesday in Eastlands Nairobi during the anti-government protests by Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition supporters were on Thursday charged in court with taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 79 of the penal code.
Majority of the suspects were rounded up in Makongeni and Shauri Moyo estates along Jogoo Road. Others were arrested in Jacaranda and Savannah, within Embakasi East sub-county, and others in Dandora estate.
A 15-year-old boy is among the suspects who admitted that they were arrested while participating in the violent demonstrations.
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, who claimed they were clobbered by the police officer at the time of their arrest, were unable to stand up when they were arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts in Nairobi and could not be charged.
Senior Principal Magistrate Helen Okwani ordered that the suspects be taken to hospital for treatment before they are charged. The magistrate also ordered that the injured suspects be arraigned on July 20, 2023 for plea taking.
The other suspects pleaded variedly to the charges against them with the majority denying the charges.
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Those that were only charged with taking part in unlawful assembly were released on a cash bail of Sh5,000 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. The lawyers pleaded for lenient bail and bond terms for the suspects.
Mr Ayora told Ms 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, 2023 when the prosecution will avail facts of the case against them before they are convicted and sentenced.
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