Nairobi, Kenya — A group of activists scaled the perimeter fence of Milimani Law Courts on Monday morning after being blocked from entering the premises to attend the arraignment of three detained protest organizers linked to last week’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
The group had assembled outside the court to show solidarity with John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali, and Francis Mwangi alias Chebukati, who were arrested for allegedly inciting violence during the June 25 protests.
Tension flared at the court’s main entrance after security officers denied the group access to the courtroom. In defiance, some activists maneuvered through a side fence to gain entry into the compound, drawing loud cheers from their supporters gathered outside.
“They locked the doors to silence us, but they forgot — Comrades are for Comrades. We will not be silenced,” one protester declared as they breached the fence.
The three suspects were scheduled to appear in court at 9:00 a.m., but their lawyer informed the crowd that they had yet to be presented before a judge at the appointed time. Moments later, it emerged that their arraignment had been quietly transferred to Kibera Law Courts without prior notice, triggering confusion and anger among supporters.
Images circulated online showed activists regrouping at Kibera Law Courts, where they continued chanting slogans demanding justice and accountability.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the trio’s arrest on June 28, alleging that they used online platforms to incite violence, theft, and destruction of property during the demonstrations against the controversial 2024 Finance Bill.
Police say the suspects were arrested while traveling on a bus to Mombasa on June 26.
However, civil society groups and human rights defenders have strongly condemned the arrests, calling them a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and criminalize the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“This is a coordinated effort to silence critics and erode civic freedoms. The right to protest is enshrined in our Constitution,” a human rights advocate stated outside the courthouse.
Supporters have vowed to maintain pressure, promising that the campaign for justice and protection of democratic rights will continue.
By Were Kelly
