About 74 people arrested during the June 25 demonstrations were held overnight at Central Police Station and are expected to be arraigned before the Milimani Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 26.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo told this publication that the move followed sustained calls by advocates and human rights activists demanding that the detainees be presented in court without unnecessary delay.
She said a team of lawyers had been mobilised to offer pro bono legal representation to those expected to appear before the court.
June 25 Protest Suspects. Photo: Courtesy.
Odhiambo also appealed to advocates available around Kibra and Makadara Law Courts to remain on standby, noting that more suspects held at other police stations could also be arraigned in those courts and may require legal assistance.
The expected court appearances come a day after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that 355 people had been arrested nationwide in connection with the June 25 demonstrations.
According to Murkomen, Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123, Kiambu with 36, Murang’a with 12, Bungoma with nine, Meru with six, Laikipia with five and Machakos with three.
He added that no arrests were reported in the North Eastern, Nyanza and Coast regions during the protests.
Murkomen said those arrested would face various charges, including robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads and attempted theft, adding that investigations were ongoing and the number of arrests could increase as police continue processing cases arising from the demonstrations.
