By Bonface Mulyungi

Fifty-seven protesters arrested during Monday and Tuesday’s anti-fuel hike demonstrations in Machakos have been released on cash bail of Ksh.5,000 each, bringing relief to the detainees and their families.

Defense lawyer Jackson Kala had petitioned the court to bar the suspects from taking a plea, citing defective charge sheets.

The court, however, dismissed the application and directed the accused to plead to charges of road encroachment contrary to the Traffic Act and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour.

Out of the group, 35 pleaded not guilty. The court subsequently reduced their bail terms from Ksh.15,000 to Ksh.5,000.

The suspects appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Dorcas Endoo, who directed them to return to court on June 3, 2026, and again on July 2, 2026, when they will receive instructions and the hearing of the case will commence.

Defence lawyers noted that at least 200 protesters were arrested in Machakos alone during the two-day matatu strike linked to the demonstrations.