A City court in Nairobi has released Julius Kamau Kimani, Elisha Oc hieng, Collins Otieno Ochieng, Emmanuel Yegon, Dickson Mworia, Brian Mwenda, Alphones Opiyo, Michael Ngige, Emmanuel Muchui, and Joshua Okayo, among others, after they denied charges arising from a fuel protest in the Central Business District.
The accused persons, appeared denied charges of obstructing the free passage of a public street along Moi Avenue in the Archives area during demonstrations over rising fuel prices.
The Charges
The accused were charged with:
Wilfully obstructing the free passage of a public street
Contrary to Section 11(1)(a) as read with Section 11(2) of the Nairobi City County Public Nuisance Act, 2021
Alleged obstruction during fuel protest demonstrations in the CBD
Court Proceedings
The prosecution told the court that the accused were arrested during demonstrations over rising fuel prices that disrupted movement along Moi Avenue in the CBD.
The court was further informed that the ages of two of the accused persons were in question, prompting a request for age assessment before plea taking.
Defence submissions
Through their lawyer Ian Njuguna, the defence urged the court to release the accused on free bond, arguing that the offence is a misdemeanour and that all the accused have known places of abode and are not flight risks.
“Your honour, this is a misdemeanour. The accused have known places of abode and are not a flight risk. We urge the court to release them on free bond,” the defence submitted.
Court Ruling
The court ordered that the two disputed accused undergo age assessment and be presented for confirmation of their ages.
All the accused were released on a cash bail of Sh3,000 each.
