220 Nairobi Fuel Protest Suspects Freed on KSh5,000 Bail After Court Appearance
Over 220 suspects arrested during Nairobi fuel price protests were released on KSh5,000 bail after pleading not guilty to charges linked to blocking roads in the CBD.
The accused persons, represented by a team of lawyers led by MP Babu Owino among others, all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Photo/Courtesy
A total of 220 people arrested during Monday’s demonstrations against rising fuel prices were on Tuesday arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts over allegations of obstructing traffic within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
According to court documents, the accused persons allegedly blocked Moi Avenue using barricades, disrupting the movement of vehicles along the busy road during the protests.
The suspects were arrested in various parts of Nairobi as demonstrators took to the streets to protest the increasing fuel prices and the rising cost of living. Some of those charged are minors.
The accused, represented by a legal team led by Babu Owino, denied the charges before the court.
The court later released each suspect on a cash bail of KSh5,000 pending further directions on the matter.
The arraignment comes after protests erupted in Nairobi and other regions on Monday, with Kenyans demanding lower fuel prices and relief from the high cost of living.
During the demonstrations, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said at least 225 people had been arrested over alleged unlawful activities, including blocking roads and interfering with business operations in the capital.
Police further stated that several vehicles were damaged and a number of officers injured during clashes between protesters and security personnel in sections of the CBD.
The protests followed recent fuel price changes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which initially raised the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel before later reducing diesel prices after public backlash.
Under the revised fuel review, Super Petrol is retailing at KSh214.25 per litre, Diesel at KSh232.86 and Kerosene at KSh191.38.
Meanwhile, the nationwide strike by public transport operators has been suspended for seven days to allow room for talks with the government.
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