The four protesters arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations along Harambee Avenue have now been released after the court g each an alternative cash bail of KSh2,000.
This terday, where plain-clothed officers were seen arresting demonstrators amid a heavy police presence that led to a low turnout of protesters in Nairobi.
The four accused Mulinge Muteti, Dickson Muli, James Bota Sunda and Dennis Kimani are facing charges of allegedly obstructing traffic by barricading roads with stones along Harambee Avenue and Wabera Street during the July 7 protests.
During the court session, defence lawyer Babu Owino argued that the arrests violated existing High Court directives on policing demonstrations. Alisema maafisa waliowakamata hawakufuata maagizo yanayotaka polisi kuvaa sare kamili, kuonyesha majina yao, kutoficha nyuso zao na kutumia magari yenye nambari zinazoonekana.
However, Magistrate Paul Mutai ruled that allegations of violations of constitutional rights and disobedience of High Court orders should be handled by the High Court. He added that whether the protesters or police obstructed the roads will be determined during the trial.
The prosecution did not oppose their release, and the court granted each accused a bond of KSh10,000 or an alternative cash bail of KSh2,000. The case will be mentioned again on July 22 for pre-trial directions.
Yesterday's dramatic arrests along Harambee Avenue sparked debate on police conduct during the Saba Saba commemorations. Leo, the release of the four protesters has shifted attention to the legal battle that will determine whether the arrests and charges were lawful.
Source: TV 47
This terday, where plain-clothed officers were seen arresting demonstrators amid a heavy police presence that led to a low turnout of protesters in Nairobi.
The four accused Mulinge Muteti, Dickson Muli, James Bota Sunda and Dennis Kimani are facing charges of allegedly obstructing traffic by barricading roads with stones along Harambee Avenue and Wabera Street during the July 7 protests.
During the court session, defence lawyer Babu Owino argued that the arrests violated existing High Court directives on policing demonstrations. Alisema maafisa waliowakamata hawakufuata maagizo yanayotaka polisi kuvaa sare kamili, kuonyesha majina yao, kutoficha nyuso zao na kutumia magari yenye nambari zinazoonekana.
However, Magistrate Paul Mutai ruled that allegations of violations of constitutional rights and disobedience of High Court orders should be handled by the High Court. He added that whether the protesters or police obstructed the roads will be determined during the trial.
The prosecution did not oppose their release, and the court granted each accused a bond of KSh10,000 or an alternative cash bail of KSh2,000. The case will be mentioned again on July 22 for pre-trial directions.
Yesterday's dramatic arrests along Harambee Avenue sparked debate on police conduct during the Saba Saba commemorations. Leo, the release of the four protesters has shifted attention to the legal battle that will determine whether the arrests and charges were lawful.
Source: TV 47
