Seven protesters charged with rioting and taking part in unlawful assembly

Seven people who were arrested while protesting in Nairobi have been charged with rioting and taking part in an unlawful assembly. Two of the protesters were arrested along the Eastern bypass in Ruai.  They were charged with taking part in a riot contrary to section 80 of the penal code. Five others, who were arrested along Jogoo Road were charged with taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 78 (1) as read with section 79 of the penal code. They are all accused of committing the offences on March 20, 2023 when Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga led his supporters in countrywide protests. Also read: How police officers rescued woman who was abducted by Nigerian nationals Police officers along the Eastern bypass came across a group of youths protesting along the highway near Funcity area where they had set tyres on fire blocking the highway and confronted them. Some of the protesters took off but Mr Omondi and Mr Otieno were arrested. The police officers recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the protesters who took off during the incident. The motorcycles were towed to Ruai Police Station. The five who were arrested along Jogoo Road are reported to have been part of group of youths who barricaded the busy road while harassing motorists and other members of the public. The court heard that the five suspects were also throwing stones at anti-riot police officers. Also read: Maxine Wahome - I was in an abusive relationship The five have also been accused of blocking the road, hurling stones at motorists, business people and pedestrians along the road despite being warned by the police to stop the violent protests. Two of the suspects admitted that they were in demonstrations but denied hurling stones. This prompted Principal Magistrate Hellen Okwani to enter a plea of not guilty for all of them although the two had pleaded guilty. All five accused persons were released on a cash bail of Sh20,000. The cases will be mentioned on June 20, 2023 before hearing starts on September 19, 2023. Also read: Viral clip of GSU consoling crying Maandamano protester after arrest