At least 74 people arrested during the June 25 demonstrations in Nairobi are expected to be arraigned at the Milimani Magistrates’ Court on Friday after spending the night in police custody.
The suspects were reportedly held at Central Police Station as lawyers and human rights activists pushed for their immediate presentation in court, citing their constitutional right to a fair trial without unnecessary delay.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo confirmed the development, saying a team of advocates had volunteered to offer free legal representation to those appearing before the court.
“In accordance with their right to a fair trial, we agitated for their arraignment in court without undue delay. The 74 will be presented before the Magistrates Court in Milimani later today, where a team of advocates are on standby to represent them pro bono,” Odhiambo said.
She also appealed to advocates available around Kibra and Makadara Law Courts to remain on standby in case more suspects are presented before those courts.
According to Odhiambo, additional legal support may be required if detainees held at other police stations are arraigned later in the day.
The court appearances come a day after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that 355 people had been arrested across the country in connection with the June 25 protests.
Nairobi recorded the highest number of arrests at 161, followed by Kajiado with 123. Kiambu had 36 arrests, Murang’a 12, Bungoma nine, Meru six, Laikipia five and Machakos three.
Murkomen said no arrests were reported in the North Eastern, Nyanza and Coast regions during the demonstrations.
He added that those arrested are expected to face various charges, including robbery, vandalism, obstruction of roads and attempted theft.
“While the situation was relatively calm across the country, a few criminal elements attempted to commit diverse crimes in the guise of staging peaceful demonstrations. Consequently, a total of 355 arrests were made in connection with the demonstrations. This is a developing case; it could be more,” Murkomen said.
Authorities have indicated that investigations are still ongoing, meaning the number of arrests could rise as police continue processing cases linked to the protests.