Aasai

Thirty-six people arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations in Eldoret have been released on cash bail following their arraignment in court on Tuesday. The suspects faced charges of being in possession of offensive weapons in a public place, a crime that goes against Section 88 of the Penal Code. The arrests come amid ongoing nationwide protests that have drawn attention to issues of police response, civic rights, and government accountability.

The suspects, who were arrested on Monday, July 7, were taken into custody from several neighborhoods known for unrest during such demonstrations. These include Huruma, Roadblock, and Maili Nne areas in Eldoret. The arrests were part of a broader police operation aimed at containing the protests, which coincided with the annual Saba Saba Day—a historic day in Kenya associated with the struggle for multiparty democracy and civil liberties.

Appearing before Eldoret Senior Principal Magistrate Mukabi Kimani, the 36 suspects were formally charged with being in possession of weapons in public without lawful justification. The magistrate ordered their release on a bond of Ksh.50,000 with one surety of the same amount, or alternatively, a cash bail of Ksh.10,000 each. The court also scheduled the case for mention on July 21, 2025, when it will be reviewed to determine how it will proceed.

Confirming the development, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said the suspects were among 77 individuals apprehended during Monday’s protests across the county. Mwanthi added that police had managed to restore order despite the protests turning chaotic in several parts of Eldoret. He commended law enforcement officers for their efforts in preventing vandalism and looting, noting that the demonstrations were met with stiff resistance from groups of rowdy youth who engaged police in running battles that lasted late into the night.

“We had to act decisively to contain the situation. Fortunately, there were no incidents of property damage or theft, and calm was restored by the end of the day,” Mwanthi said. He further disclosed that 41 more individuals arrested in connection with the protests are expected to be arraigned in court on Wednesday, July 9, to face related charges.

The Saba Saba protests this year were driven largely by public dissatisfaction over the high cost of living, increased taxation, and controversial government proposals. Civil society groups, youth organizations, and ordinary citizens took to the streets in various towns and cities, demanding reforms and better governance. In many areas, including Eldoret, the demonstrations were marred by confrontations with the police, who were deployed in large numbers to disperse crowds and prevent disruptions.

Meanwhile, in Narok County, another group of 24 protesters who had been arrested for allegedly obstructing traffic during the same Saba Saba demonstrations were also granted bail. They appeared before Resident Magistrate George Sagero, where they denied the charges. The court granted them a cash bail of Ksh.5,000 each or a bond of Ksh.20,000 with a surety.

As legal proceedings get underway, human rights advocates and civil society groups have continued to raise concerns over the police’s handling of protesters. Many are calling for independent investigations into the arrests and the use of force by security personnel. They argue that while maintaining public order is important, the constitutional right to peaceful protest must be upheld and respected.

With more court appearances expected in the coming days, attention now shifts to how the judiciary and law enforcement agencies will handle these cases amid growing scrutiny from the public and the international community.