42 youths arrested during Saba Saba protests aged between 19-29 were arraigned before Thika Margistrate Court for plea taking and bail hearing on Wednesday.
They were collectively charged with:
- Robbery with violence,
- Assault of a police officer,
- Destruction of private property (Maathai’s Supermarket) and
- Torching of two police vehicles.
They pleaded “not guilty” on all counts. The defense lawyers requested the magistrate for free bond or KSh 2,000 cash bail for the accused. They were granted bail of KSh 100, 000 or KSh 300,000 bond with one surety.
In the same court, Two men identified as Douglas Govindi and John Opiyo comrades who were caught on video helping their friend who was allegedly shot by the police have been released on a KSh 2,000 cash bail following a change in their charge from robbery with violence (a capital offense) to disruption (a misdemeanor)
The defense lawyers led by Noordean Khaghai argued, prior to the charge change that it was evident that the two were helping out and that one is a certified first aider.
