Eldoret Activist Benson Juma Akumu Released on KSh 30,000 Cash Bail as Court Slashes KSh 1.1 Million Bond
The ruling was welcomed by Akumu’s family, street-connected youth, human rights defenders and members of the civil society network who had attended the proceedings to follow the case.
Human rights activist Kimutai Kirui, alongside other civil society representatives, addresses the media outside the Eldoret Law Courts following the review of activist Benson Juma Akumu’s bond terms, calling for justice and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
By HubzMedia Africa
An Eldoret court has substantially reduced the bond terms imposed on human rights activist Benson Juma Akumu, allowing him to secure his release on a bond of KSh 80,000 or cash bail of KSh 30,000 as he awaits the hearing and determination of narcotics-related charges.
Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Areri granted the application by Akumu’s defence team to review the earlier bond terms of KSh 1.1 million, paving the way for his release under more affordable conditions.
The ruling was welcomed by Akumu’s family, street-connected youth, human rights defenders and members of the civil society network who had attended the proceedings to follow the case.
The courtroom erupted in songs of celebration following the decision, with supporters describing the review as an important development in their quest for justice for the activist.
The revised terms significantly reduce the financial burden placed on Akumu as he prepares to defend himself against the charges.
Defence cites humanitarian work and vulnerable families
During the bail review application, defence lawyers led by Antony Oguto and Ayego told the court that Akumu was a philanthropist who supported vulnerable street-connected families, many of whom depended on him for basic necessities.
The lawyer argued that Akumu’s continued detention had affected not only his immediate family but also other vulnerable members of the community who relied on his assistance.
Ayego urged the court to review the earlier conditions, arguing that the accused should be allowed to pursue his case while out on reasonable bond terms.
The defence also drew attention to the circumstances surrounding Akumu’s arrest on October 18, 2026, claiming that he had gone to Eldoret Central Police Station to assist another person who was in custody before he was arrested.
According to the account presented by his supporters, Akumu had visited the station seeking the release of another accused person when he was arrested by police officers.
He was subsequently arraigned in court and charged with narcotics-related offences and resisting arrest.
Akumu has denied the charges and maintains that the case against him was fabricated to punish him for his human rights advocacy. These allegations have not been established by a court and remain subject to independent investigation.
Wife welcomes ruling, demands thorough investigations
Speaking to the media shortly after the ruling, Akumu’s wife immaculate Anyango ,welcomed the court’s decision and called on investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding her husband’s arrest.
“I thank the courts. Today, we came expecting justice for my husband, and we are thankful for the favourable review. We urge investigators to get to the bottom of the charges brought against him by the OCS,” she said.
She maintained that the family wanted a thorough and impartial investigation into the accusations against her husband, expressing concern over the circumstances that led to his arrest.
Her remarks were echoed by human rights activists Kimutai Kirui and Arum, who welcomed the revised bond terms and called for accountability over the allegations of police misconduct.
The activists questioned the circumstances surrounding Akumu’s arrest and urged the relevant oversight institutions to investigate the matter independently.
They also called for action against any officer found to have acted unlawfully, insisting that accountability should follow the findings of a credible investigation.
Kimutai called for justice and accountability, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the allegations surrounding Akumu’s arrest.
They maintained that any officer found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The activists also demanded the removal of Eldoret Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) James Lenaso from office,and welcomed IPOA’s reported investigations into the matter and urged the authority to pursue the inquiry to its logical conclusion.
Activist faces cannabis and heroin charges
Akumu was initially arraigned before Eldoret Resident Magistrate Naima Chelagat Kirui, where he denied the charges against him.
According to the charge sheet, Akumu is accused of trafficking 56 rolls of cannabis valued at KSh 2,800 and 52 grammes of heroin valued at KSh 15,600.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred on October 18, 2026, at Eldoret Central Police Station in Uasin Gishu County.
He also faces an alternative charge of resisting arrest.
Akumu has disputed the accusations, alleging that the case was designed to silence his work as a human rights defender.
In earlier court proceedings, he reportedly told the court that he had gone to the police station after receiving a distress call from a person in custody who had sought his assistance.
He also raised concerns about his safety and alleged that he had a strained relationship with the station’s OCS.
Akumu further alleged that the charges were fabricated and that the narcotics had been planted on him. These claims remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
The criminal proceedings will determine the charges against him, while the allegations of police misconduct require separate and impartial scrutiny.
Case set for November 5 mention
The criminal matter is scheduled for mention on November 5, 2026, when the court is expected to address the next steps in the proceedings.
As Akumu awaits the next court appearance, his family, human rights defenders and civil society representatives are calling for a fair judicial process and an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding his arrest.
The case has drawn attention among Eldoret-based activists and civil society groups, particularly over the competing accounts of the arrest, the disputed narcotics charges and the need to safeguard the rights of an accused person.
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