NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has announced that 74 individuals arrested during the June 25 memorial demonstrations are expected to be arraigned in court on Friday, with a team of advocates prepared to offer free legal representation.
In a statement posted on X, Odhiambo said she joined other lawyers at Nairobi’s Central Police Station after receiving information that dozens of demonstrators remained in custody following their arrest during Thursday’s nationwide protests.
According to Odhiambo, the legal team’s primary concern was ensuring that the detainees’ constitutional rights were protected, including their right to be presented before a court without unnecessary delay.
“Early this morning, we attended Central Police Station, where we had information that about 74 people were being held following their arrest during yesterday’s demonstrations,” she said.
She added that the lawyers engaged police authorities to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions governing the treatment of arrested persons.
“In accordance with their right to fair trial, we agitated for their arraignment in Court without undue delay,” Odhiambo stated.
The former LSK president said the 74 suspects are expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court at Milimani later on Friday, where advocates have volunteered to represent them on a pro bono basis.
“The 74 will be presented before the Magistrates Court in Milimani later today, where a team of Advocates are on standby to represent them pro bono,” she said.
Odhiambo further called upon lawyers based near Kibra and Makadara Law Courts to remain available in case additional suspects arrested during the demonstrations are presented before those courts.
“We urge Advocates who are available and around Kibra and Makadara Law Courts to avail themselves in the event some unaccounted people are arraigned in these courts from other police stations,” she added.
The arrests followed nationwide demonstrations held on June 25 to commemorate victims of the 2024 anti-government protests, which left dozens dead and triggered widespread public debate over police conduct and accountability.
The memorial marches took place in several towns and cities across the country, with participants calling for justice for those killed, injured or allegedly subjected to enforced disappearances during last year’s demonstrations.
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On Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies had arrested 355 people across the country in connection with the protests.
Authorities said the suspects were arrested for a range of offences, including vandalism, robbery, obstruction of roads and attempted theft.
Human rights organisations, legal practitioners and civil society groups have since urged authorities to ensure that all arrests comply with constitutional safeguards, including access to legal representation, prompt arraignment before a court and adherence to due process.
The groups have also called for transparency regarding the charges facing those arrested and the conditions under which they are being held.
The arraignment of the 74 suspects is expected to provide the first indication of how prosecutors intend to handle cases arising from the June 25 demonstrations.
