Activists breach Milimani Law Courts fence after being locked out

A group of activists on Monday morning scaled the perimeter fence of Milimani Law Courts after being blocked from entering the compound to attend the arraignment of three detained protest organizers.

The protesters had gathered outside the court to show solidarity with John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali, and Francis Mwangi alias Chebukati, who were arrested in connection with the June 25 demonstrations.

Tension rose at the court’s main entrance when security officers denied the group access to the courtroom.

In response, some activists manoeuvred through a side fence to enter the premises, drawing cheers from their supporters outside.

“Today, they tried to lock the court doors to keep us out, but they forgot Comrades are for Comrades. We will not be silenced,” one protester declared.

The three suspects were expected in court at 9 a.m., but their lawyer informed the waiting crowd that they had not been presented before a judge at the scheduled time.

Shortly after, it emerged that the arraignment had been moved to Kibera Law Courts without prior notice, triggering further confusion and suspicion among supporters.

Images later surfaced showing activists regrouping at Kibera Law Courts, continuing their calls for justice and accountability.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations announced the arrests on June 28, accusing the trio of using online channels to incite violence, theft, and property destruction during the protests against the 2024 Finance Bill.

According to police, the suspects were arrested on a bus headed to Mombasa on June 26.

Civil society groups have condemned the arrests, saying they reflect an erosion of civic freedoms and an attempt to criminalize peaceful protest.

“This is an effort to suppress dissent. The right to protest is constitutional,” said a human rights advocate at the court.

Supporters vowed to keep up the pressure, stating the campaign for justice would continue