Human Rights Defender Ken Rutto Condemns Alleged Framing of Benson Juma Akumu
Court proceedings indicate that Akumu had reportedly gone to the police station following a distress call from a person in custody who had sought his assistance as a human rights defender.
Human rights defender Benson Juma Akumu appears at the Eldoret Law Courts on Wednesday, October 22, 2026, where he denied two narcotics-related charges
By HubzMedia Africa
Human rights defender Ken Rutto has condemned what he describes as the alleged framing and intimidation of fellow activist Benson Juma Akumu, who is facing narcotics-related charges before an Eldoret court.
In a statement, Rutto called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other relevant oversight institutions to investigate Akumu’s allegations of police misconduct, insisting that the case should be handled impartially and that the rights of the accused must be protected.
Akumu was arraigned before Eldoret Resident Magistrate Naima Chelagat Kirui over allegations of trafficking 56 rolls of cannabis valued at KSh 2,800 and 52 grams of heroin valued at KSh 15,600.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences occurred on October 18, 2026, at Eldoret Central Police Station in Uasin Gishu County. He also faces an alternative charge of resisting arrest.
Akumu denied the charges.
Activist alleges charges were fabricated
Court proceedings indicate that Akumu had reportedly gone to the police station following a distress call from a person in custody who had sought his assistance as a human rights defender.
He told the court that the charges against him had been fabricated to silence his advocacy for victims of alleged police injustice.
Akumu also raised concerns about his safety, claiming he had a strained relationship with Eldoret Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) James Lenaso. He further alleged that the OCS had incited inmates against him and accused the officer of orchestrating his arrest and planting the alleged narcotics on him.
The allegations have not been established as facts by a court and require independent investigation.
In his statement, Rutto said the circumstances surrounding Akumu’s arrest raised concerns that warranted scrutiny by independent oversight institutions.
He urged IPOA to investigate the allegations and ensure that any police misconduct established through the inquiry is addressed in accordance with the law.
Debate over bail terms
The case has also drawn attention to the bail conditions imposed on the accused.
Magistrate Kirui ordered Akumu’s release on a bond of KSh 1.1 million or cash bail of KSh 800,000. The prosecution had reportedly not opposed his release on bond or cash bail.
Akumu had appealed for more lenient terms, telling the court that he was not a flight risk and that his place of residence was known. He also expressed concern about spending another night at the police station, citing alleged threats to his safety.
Rutto argued that bail should not become a form of punishment before conviction, urging authorities to ensure that bail and bond conditions are reasonable and proportionate.
Article 49(1)(h) of the Constitution of Kenya provides arrested persons with the right to be released on bond or bail on reasonable conditions pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons to deny release. Article 50(2)(a) guarantees every accused person the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Call to protect human rights defenders
Rutto said human rights defenders play a critical role in promoting accountability, protecting vulnerable members of society and ensuring that public institutions operate within the law.
He called for measures to protect activists from harassment, intimidation and retaliation when carrying out their lawful work.
The activist further urged oversight institutions to establish the circumstances surrounding Akumu’s arrest and address any violations identified through an independent investigation.
The criminal case against Akumu remains before the court, where the allegations will be subject to the judicial process.
The matter is scheduled for mention on November 5, 2026.
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