About 74 people held during Thursday’s Gen Z memorial protests appeared before the Milimani Magistrates’ Court on Friday for a hearing, as legal teams moved to secure their representation.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said the legal team had visited Central Police Station earlier in the day after receiving reports that about 74 individuals were being held following their arrest during the demonstrations.
She said advocates had pushed for the suspects to be arraigned in court without delay, in line with their constitutional right to a fair trial.
“We had information that about 74 people were being held following their arrest during yesterday’s demonstrations,” Odhiambo said.
“In accordance with their rights to a fair trial, we agitated for their arraignment in court without further delays,” she added.
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Odhiambo further said a team of advocates had been mobilised to offer pro bono legal representation to the suspects.
The Law Society of Kenya, together with human rights organisations, maintained that individuals arrested during demonstrations are entitled to fair trial rights and legal representation.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko were also present at the Milimani Law Courts in support of those arrested.
Owino had earlier said that a team of advocates had been put in place to support protesters in the event of arrests during the commemoration exercise.
James Orengo, who was also present during the Thursday protests in Nairobi, had previously expressed support for demonstrations held in Nairobi and other parts of the country, describing them as a form of tribute.
– By Daisy Achieng
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