35 Protesters Freed Following Willy Mutunga’s Intervention
On Sunday, July 9, police officers in Nairobi released a group of demonstrators. Arrested during the Azimio la Umoja Saba Saba demonstration held in Nairobi on Friday, July 7.
The activists were detained while participating in anti-government demonstrations. In the Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi against the orders of the city’s regional commander, Adamson Bungei.
Boniface Mwangi, a civil rights activist, confirmed in a statement that his comrades were held for a longer time without being charged in court.
“All the young activists detained during the Saba Saba March for Our Lives protests on Friday in Nairobi have been released. They were not guilty of a crime.
They were carrying only placards. The authorities have provided them with no bond. “I would like to thank everyone who demanded their release,” Mwangi said.
Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga was assaulted with tear gas at the Central Police Station in Nairobi on Saturday, July 8, as he advocated for the release of imprisoned activists.
Mutunga arrived at the station accompanied by a group of human rights activists. The police dispersed the group by firing tear gas at them.
Human rights groups and opposition politicians condemned the tear gassing of Mutunga and accused the government of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Many accused the police of violating the law by holding the activists for more than twenty-four hours without charging them.
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Critics argued that the activists should have been arraigned in court on Friday, promptly following their arrest. They claimed that the delay violated the law and caused the suspects unnecessary suffering.
In addition, the detractors pointed out that the activists should have been given the same free police bond rather than being detained for nearly three days.
The chairman of the Presidential Economic Council, David Ndii, responded to the release of the activists by stating that the police must always adhere to the law.
“Minutes before 24 hours, they may retain them for free. The police have acted as intended, abusing their authority within the confines of the law. We require police accountability rather than executive benevolence. David Ndii stated, “However, these politically wounded activists mistake me for the enemy, lashing out without reflection.”
In response, Mwangi clarified that the police personnel at the Central Police Station unlawfully detained the activists for longer than 24 hours.
“They were arrested around noon on Friday, and they were released today around noon.” That exceeds 24 hours. In any case, David Ndii continues to defend the indefensible,” the activist responded.
The annual Saba Saba Day celebrations are conducted on July 7 to commemorate the signing of the multiparty agreement in Kenya in 1992, which led to the end of one-party rule.
Protests against the government’s failure to address the rising cost of living and other issues marked this year’s festivities. The police responded to the disturbances by arresting several individuals.
35 Protesters Freed Following Willy Mutunga’s Intervention
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