Court grants bail to three activists arrested over June 25 protests

The court has granted bail to three activists who were detained over allegations of planning acts of violence and property destruction during the 25 June 2025 protests.

The respondents — John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali, and Francis Mutunga Mwangi alias Chebukati — were arrested by DCI officers on June 27 while travelling on a Mombasa-bound bus near the Konza City area.

They were accused of allegedly coordinating social media channels and posts that incited violence, widespread destruction of property, and theft during the demonstrations.

"It is hereby ordered that the respondents be released on a cash bail of Sh200,000 with a contact," stated the Kibera Law Courts Magistrate in her ruling.

The court further directed the respondents to report to the investigating officer at Muthaiga police station every Monday and Thursday to facilitate the ongoing investigations.

Their release followed the submission of an application supported by an affidavit sworn by Inspector George Karanja, which sought to detain the respondents for a further 21 days pending investigations.

The application argued that the extension was necessary to establish whether the individuals were genuine protesters or part of criminal elements that infiltrated the 25 June protests.

It further stated that the respondents’ electronic devices were yet to undergo forensic analysis, and releasing them at this stage could risk interference with investigations or potential witnesses.

Defence lawyer Erick Muriuki, appearing for the Law Society of Kenya, dismissed the prosecution’s arguments.

The lawyers urged the court to reject the application, arguing that no credible reasons had been presented to justify the continued detention of the respondents.

They further requested that the court release the trio on a free bond.

On Wednesday, July 2, the court granted each respondent release on a cash bail of Sh200,000 with one contact person.

The matter is scheduled to be mentioned on 23 July 2025 for further directions.