192 Arraigned Over Saba Saba Protest Violence in Nakuru County

 

A total of 192 suspects arrested during the Saba Saba demonstrations held yesterday across Nakuru County have been arraigned in various courts today, with charges ranging from obstruction of police officers to burglary and malicious damage to property.

In Gilgil, 17 individuals were presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Naivasha, where they were charged with obstructing police officers on duty. The suspects were each granted release on a cash bail of Sh50,000.

The same court in Naivasha also saw the arraignment of 67 additional suspects arrested during the protests. Thirteen among them faced more serious charges of breaking into buildings and committing felonies. They were each granted bail set at Sh200,000.

Meanwhile, in Nakuru East, 84 suspects were brought before the Chief Magistrate’s Court, with an additional six suspects, including two teenagers from Nakuru West, also facing charges related to the unrest.

In Subukia, 10 suspects appeared before a court in Nyahururu, while in Molo, eight young adults aged between 20 and 25 were arraigned at the Chief Magistrate's Court. They include Lucy Minayo, Joseph Mburu Thuo, Brigid Cherop, Boniface Wesonga, Cecilia Wangui, Solomon Mwaura, Daniel Michemo, and Javan Kiragu.

Police filed a miscellaneous application requesting to detain the Molo group for 10 more days to complete ongoing investigations. The court granted the application.

The Saba Saba demonstrations, held annually on July 7, turned violent in parts of Nakuru, prompting a swift and widespread crackdown by law enforcement. Police say the arrests are part of broader efforts to maintain law and order during what they described as "unauthorized protests that spiraled into criminal acts."

Court proceedings continue as investigations remain active in several sub-counties. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow legal processes to take their course.