Eldoret-Based Human Rights Activist Juma Released After Spending Days in Cell

Eldoret-based human rights activist Benson Juma Akumu is set to secure his release after an Eldoret court reduced his bond terms to KSh 80,000 or a cash bail of KSh 30,000, following days in custody over narcotics-related charges.

Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Areri granted an application by Akumu’s defence team to review the earlier bond terms of KSh 1.1 million, allowing the activist to seek release under more affordable conditions as he awaits the determination of his case.

The ruling sparked celebrations in court, with Akumu’s family, street-connected youth, human rights defenders and civil society representatives welcoming the decision.

His lawyers, led by Antony Oguto and Ayego, told the court that Akumu was a philanthropist who supported vulnerable street-connected families, arguing that his continued detention had affected people who depended on him for basic necessities.

The defence further claimed that Akumu was arrested on October 18, 2026, after visiting Eldoret Central Police Station to assist another person who was in custody.

Akumu has denied the charges, alleging that the case was fabricated to punish him for his human rights advocacy. The allegations have not been proven in court.

According to the charge sheet, he is accused of trafficking 56 rolls of cannabis valued at KSh 2,800 and 52 grammes of heroin valued at KSh 15,600. He also faces an alternative charge of resisting arrest.

Speaking after the ruling, his wife, Immaculate Anyango, welcomed the court’s decision and called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding her husband’s arrest.

Human rights activists Kimutai Kirui and Arum also welcomed the revised bond terms, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate allegations of police misconduct and hold any officers found culpable accountable under the law.

The activists further called for the removal of Eldoret Central Police Station OCS James Lenaso, while urging IPOA to pursue its reported investigations independently.

Akumu’s criminal case is scheduled for mention on November 5, 2026, as he awaits the next stage of proceedings.

The court process will determine the narcotics-related charges against him, while the allegations of police misconduct remain subject to independent investigation.