Date: July 10, 2023
In a significant development today, the Kisii Law Court has granted bail to 27 individuals who were arrested during the recent Saba Saba protests. The protesters were released on a cash bail of Ksh 30,000 each, following their appearance before the court earlier in the day.
The Saba Saba protests, named after the iconic pro-democracy movement that took place in Kenya on July 7, 1990, have been taking place across the country in recent days. Demonstrators have been advocating for various social and political reforms, expressing their discontent with the current state of affairs.
The 27 individuals who were granted bail today were among the numerous protesters who were apprehended during the demonstrations in Kisii. They faced charges related to unlawful assembly and causing public disturbance. The court, after reviewing their cases, decided to release them on bail pending further legal proceedings.
The presiding judge emphasized the importance of upholding the right to peaceful assembly and expression, stating that the court respected the protesters’ constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly. The judge also acknowledged the need to maintain law and order and urged all citizens to engage in peaceful demonstrations, respecting the rights and freedoms of others.
The bail amount of Ksh 30,000 per protester was set to ensure their appearance in court for subsequent hearings and to serve as a deterrent against any potential breach of peace during their release. The court imposed certain conditions on the protesters, including refraining from participating in any further illegal activities and maintaining good conduct during the trial period.
The decision to grant bail to the Saba Saba protesters has generated mixed reactions from various sections of society. Supporters of the demonstrators argue that it is a victory for free speech and a demonstration of the justice system’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights. However, critics express concerns over the potential for future unrest and the need for comprehensive dialogue to address the underlying issues raised by the protesters.
As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the Saba Saba protests will evolve and whether the grievances expressed by the demonstrators will be addressed by the relevant authorities. The release of these 27 protesters on bail serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between safeguarding democratic freedoms and ensuring law and order within society.