Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo at Milimani court to support arrested Gen-Z on June 26, 2026/LEAH MUTASHI
Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo have assembled at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi to support dozens of people arrested during the June 25 Gen Z memorial demonstrations as they awaited arraignment.
Their appearance came hours after Odhiambo announced that about 74 people arrested during the memorial protests were expected to be presented before the Milimani Magistrates' Court.
In a statement shared earlier on Friday, Odhiambo said she and other advocates had visited Central Police Station after receiving information that dozens of demonstrators were being held there.
"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," Odhiambo said.
She said the legal team had pushed for the suspects to be arraigned without unnecessary delay in line with their constitutional right to a fair trial.
"In accordance with their right to fair trial, we agitated for their arraignment in Court without undue delay," she said.
Odhiambo added that a team of advocates had been assembled to represent the suspects on a pro bono basis and appealed to lawyers near Kibra and Makadara Law Courts to remain on standby in case additional suspects were presented before those courts.
The arrests followed nationwide memorial processions organised by Gen Z activists and civil society groups to commemorate those who died during the June 25, 2024, anti-government protests.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former LSK president Faith Odhiambo and Siaya governor James Orengo present in court for the arraignment of the protestors who were arrested during the Gen-Z anniversary demonstrations at Milimani law courts, Nairobi, on June 26, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAI
On Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 355 people had been arrested across the country in connection with the demonstrations.
Ahead of the commemorations, Babu Owino had pledged to provide legal support to any protesters who might be arrested during the demonstrations.
"As Babu Owino, together with other advocates, we have put up a team of advocates, competent ones, who will ensure that you are free," the legislator said in a video statement issued before the protests.
The MP had said no one should worry in the event of an arrest, assuring protesters that lawyers would be available to secure their release through the legal process.
Orengo's appearance at the court also came a day after he joined commemorative activities marking the anniversary of the Gen Z protests.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the governor said he had stood with Kenyans in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and other parts of the country to mark what he described as a historic moment while paying tribute to those who participated in the anniversary events.
The Law Society of Kenya and other human rights organisations have maintained that persons arrested during demonstrations are entitled to constitutional safeguards, including prompt arraignment before a court, access to legal representation and due process.
