Court releases 19 suspects held over Nyandarua protest violence

Principal Magistrate Judicaster Nthuku on Monday ruled that each of the suspects be released on a personal bond of Ksh.100,000 with two sureties of a similar amount.

A minor among the group will be released on a personal bond guaranteed by his parent under similar terms.

The matter will be mentioned on July 21, 2025, to confirm the progress of investigations.

In a sworn affidavit presented to the court, lead investigating officer Corporal Richard Limo had asked for 21 more days to detain the suspects, arguing that the prosecution needed more time to record witness statements.

He further claimed that if released, the suspects were likely to interfere with the ongoing investigations.

However, Magistrate Nthuku ruled that the reasons given did not warrant prolonged detention. “The prosecution has not provided sufficient grounds to hold the suspects for the period requested,” she said, effectively denying the application filed by the prosecution team led by Mr. Jefrey Langat Kipyegon.

Following the ruling, defense lawyers Nderi Ndiani and Kiragu Wathuta welcomed the court’s decision, hailing it as a victory for justice.

Speaking to the press outside the courtroom, the advocates criticized the prosecution’s case, stating that it lacked credible evidence linking their clients to the destruction of property during the demonstrations.

“We are pleased the court has stood firm in upholding the law. The state failed to show why these individuals were arrested in the first place,” said Wathuta.

The 19 suspects had been arrested following protests in Olkalou town, part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations driven by discontent among young people over governance and economic issues.

The protests, which turned violent in some areas, led to arrests and widespread condemnation from civil society groups over the state’s handling of the dissent.