A total of 36 protesters arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations in Eldoret were on Tuesday, July 8, arraigned at the Eldoret Law Courts and later released on bail. The group faced charges of being in possession of weapons in public, in violation of Section 88 of the Penal Code.
The suspects were arrested on Monday, July 7, from various areas including Huruma, Roadblock, and Mail Nne, during the nationwide Saba Saba protests that saw youth take to the streets to demand government accountability. The protesters were arraigned before Senior Principal Magistrate Mukabi Kimani and granted bond terms of Ksh.50,000 with one surety of a similar amount or a cash bail of Ksh.10,000 each.
However, by Tuesday evening, all 36 had successfully secured their release after their cash bail was reduced to Ksh.5,000 each. The court set July 21, 2025, as the date for the mention of their case.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the arrest of a total of 77 individuals linked to the protests. He noted that despite tensions and running battles between demonstrators and law enforcement officers lasting into the night, no incidents of vandalism or destruction of property were reported.
Mwanthi further stated that another group of 41 suspects is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, July 9, in connection with the protests.
In a separate incident, a Narok court also released 24 protestors who had been charged with obstructing traffic during the Saba Saba protests. Appearing before Resident Magistrate George Sagero, the accused pleaded not guilty and were granted Ksh.5,000 cash bail or an alternative bond of Ksh.20,000.
The Saba Saba protests, traditionally held on July 7, commemorate the pro-democracy struggles in Kenya. This year’s demonstrations were fueled by growing discontent over governance, economic hardships, and concerns over the Finance Act 2024. While largely peaceful in many regions, some areas witnessed confrontations between protestors and police.
As legal proceedings continue, rights groups and civil society organizations have called for the release of all peaceful protestors and urged the government to respect constitutional rights to assembly and expression.
