Over 100 protesters arrested in Nairobi CBD charged with being drunk and disorderly

After spending the night in police custody, more than 100 people who were arrested during the July 16 anti-government demonstrations in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) have been formally charged and set free by the court.

The protesters, who included popular X personality Polo Kimani, were released on Wednesday afternoon after spending the better part of the day at the City Hall basement - and then court.

According to lawyer James wa Njeri, all the accused persons, totaling 109, were released on a Ksh.500 cash bail with the charge, for all accused, being 'drunk and disorderly.'

Sharing a copy of the charge sheet on X, Wa Njeri said, "Bail set at 500 shillings for each. We have 109 accused persons in court. Can 109 people be drunk and disorderly in the CBD together? Ya Kenya ni mengi."

Polo Kimani himself, who in a separate video appears to have been physically assaulted, shared the developments too, admitting to have been beaten up by the police.

"Released on 500kes cash bail. Supposed to come for a pre trial two weeks from now. Many thanks. LSK are handling the payment. Everyone is set to sleep at home today," he wrote.

"The pressure keeps increasing. To all those wondering why my head has significantly increased in size, it's because of the rungus I received yesterday. Ruto must go I swear!"

Earlier, Kimani had revealed the charges read out to the protesters, clearly stating that they had obviously been fabricated.

"They are now fabricating charges. My charge sheet says I'm being charged with being drunk and disorderly. Aki mama yangu I haven't touched alcohol in 5 years. Twende drug test..." he complained.

In a video shared by Jerotich Seii, a visibly wounded Kimani can be seen limping up the stairs, he then looks back at the media team and says, "Wametufinya sana!"