By Andrew Kariuki
Ten suspects arrested in connection with violent scenes that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi rally have been released on bond after appearing before a Kisumu court.
The group was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Benson Ireri at the Kisumu Law Courts, where they denied the charges brought against them.
They are facing felony charges linked to alleged political violence during the rally.
The court granted each of the accused a bond of Ksh 30,000 with a surety of a similar amount, or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 10,000.
In his ruling, Magistrate Ireri declined a request by the prosecution to detain the suspects for an additional 14 days to allow police to complete investigations.
The prosecution had argued that more time was needed to analyze evidence and conclude inquiries.
However, the magistrate ruled that there were no sufficient grounds to deny the suspects their constitutional right to bail.
He noted that the accused persons did not pose a threat to public safety and that investigations could continue while they are out on bond.
The court further observed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) remains at liberty to proceed with its inquiries, including the examination of the suspects’ mobile phones and other evidence.
According to the charge sheet, the suspects were arrested in Kisumu after DCI officers reportedly trailed them on suspicion that they were planning acts of violence.
Police stated that a search of a saloon car the group was travelling in led to the recovery of several crude weapons, including knives and daggers.
The accused persons were identified as Shadrack Aula, Collins Omondi, Patrick Bunde, Earnest Masheti, Silas Odero, Dickson Ochieng, Hemile Omondi, Clifford Juma, David Omolo and Pater Okoth.
The case is scheduled to be mentioned on March 14, 2026, as investigations continue.
