50 youths arrested in 2024 Finance Bill protests freed for lack of evidence

Dozens of youths who were arrested in Ongata Rongai within Kajiado North Constituency following a court released the Gen Z-led demonstrations held on June 24, 2024 on Tuesday.

The Ngong Law Courts ordered their release after the prosecution failed to present witnesses against them.

The group had been charged in connection with protests opposing the approval of the Finance Bill 2024, demonstrations that saw widespread youth participation across the country.

In its ruling, Chief Magistrate Charles Kutwa noted that the prosecution failed to present any witnesses to testify in support of the charges.

As a result, the case lacked an evidentiary basis, leading to the acquittal of all the accused persons.

The court ordered that all cash bail previously deposited be refunded, effectively setting the youths free.

The accused, through their lawyer Shadrack Wambui, welcomed the outcome and thanked the court for what they described as a just ruling.

They indicated that they would now focus on moving forward with their lives following the conclusion of the case.

Dozens of protesters were arrested then in a crackdown that was mounted by security agencies.

Some of them are still facing various charges in courts.

There are plans to compensate those who were shot and killed or injured in the protests.