Ol'Kalaou Court releases 19 suspects linked to violence on June 25 citing lack of sufficient evidence to detain them. Photo: EACC.
A court in Ol’Kalaou Nyandarua County has released all the 19 suspects arrested by police in connection to violence witnessed on June 25 anniversary protests.
Ol’Kalou Principal Magistrate Judicaster Nthuku, cited lack of enough evidence by the prosecution team to continue keeping the suspects in custody, and releasing the suspects on a personal bond of KSh 100,000 each.
A minor arrested, will also be released on a personal bond guaranteed by his parent under similar conditions. However, lead investigating officer Corporal Richard Limo had requested the court to detain the suspects for 21 more days to allow for investigations to be completed.
Limo claimed that the case required him to take time to record witnesses statements, arguing that if the suspects will be released, they might interfere with the ongoing investigations.
His request was declined by Nthuku, who stated that the reasons submitted by the applicant did not warrant prolonged detention of the 19 suspects. Decline an application by the prosecution led by Jefrey Kipyegon.
“The prosecution has not provided sufficient grounds to continue holding the suspects for the period requested,” Nthuku ruled.
Defense lawyers Nderi Ndiani, and Kiragu Wathuta welcomed the ruling by Nthuku, further lauding the court for upholding Justice. The team criticised the prosecution team for lacking enough evidence linking their clients to the destructions witnessed during protests.
“We are happy that the court has stood firm in upholding the rule of law. The State failed to show why these individuals were arrested,” Wathuta remarked.
The 19 suspects are among dozen of people linked to destruction in the country, during Wednesday Gen Z led protests in marking one year since 70 of their colleagues were killed in the 2025 Anti-Finance Bill Protests.
The release come as 11 suspects were arrested with stolen items, believed to have been stolen during the protests in Huruma and Vatican areas of Ol’Kalou Township.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen termed the protests as acts of terrorism, stating that government will not spare anyone involved in destruction of property and attacks on police ooficers.
