Six protestors have been charged with obstructing traffic during the 36th commemoration of the Saba Saba Day.
The six protesters who included rights activists, denied obstructing the smooth flow of traffic on July 7, 2026 and were released on a bond of Sh10,000 with an alternative cash bail of Sh2,000 by a Milimani law courts principal magistrate.
Granting the demonstrators bond, the trial magistrate said the prosecution was not opposing their bail plea as it was their fundamental right.
Those charged in court were Dickson Muli, James Bota, Dennis Kimani, Mulinge Muteti, Michael Ngige and Julius Kamau.
They appeared before Magistrate Paul Mutai facing charges of obstructing the operation of motor vehicles along Harambee Avenue by allegedly barricading the road with stones.
Activists Julius Kamau(left) and Michael Ngige, who were arrested during Saba Saba protests at the Milimani law courts on July 8, 2026.
Photo credit: Billy Ogada| Nation Media Group
Agitating for their release on bond, defense lawyers comprising Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Abner Mango and John Ndegwa told the court that, “the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations and picketing is gradually being criminalized.”
Maanzo asked the court to take judicial notice that “demonstrators are routinely being arrested and charged with obstruction.”
He urged the magistrate to send out a strong signal that the court of law shall not be used to sanitize State’s illegal actions.
The magistrate heard that precious judicial time is being wasted as the matter should have been resolved at the police station instead of being brought before the court.
He said police who quell demonstrations should be clearly identifiable during the operations, which turn out to be ugly and deadly.
Mr Mango told the court that one of the accused, Dickson Muli, was allegedly abducted during the June 25 protests and appeared in court with a bandaged hand and without shoes.
He further argued that where roads are to be closed or barricaded, the public should be notified in advance to allow citizens make alternative travel arrangements.
The prosecution did not oppose the accused persons' bail/ bond plea but insisted that the constitutional issues raised by the defense can only be determined by the High Court.
It further submitted that any allegations of police misconduct or abduction should be reported to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
In his ruling the trial magistrate admitted all the six accused persons to a bond of Ksh10,000 with an alternative cash bail of Ksh2,000 each.
He directed that any application relating to previous court orders cited by the defence should be raised before the court that will try the case.
The magistrate also directed the prosecution to furnish the suspects with witness statements and exhibits if any.
