Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Ex LSK President Faith Odhiambo, and a team of advocates gathered at the Milimani Law Courts to support people arrested during the June 25 Gen Z memorial demonstrations/James Orengo/X
Siaya Governor James Orengo has welcomed a court decision that saw more than 200 people arrested during the June 25 Gen Z memorial demonstrations released on cash bail, saying the ruling reaffirmed the judiciary's role in protecting constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on Friday, Orengo said he had joined Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo and a team of advocates at the Milimani Law Courts, where they secured the unconditional release of a mother and her seven-month-old baby, alongside cash bail of Shh1,000 for more than 200 youths.
"Justice has spoken," Orengo said.
He added: "Today, alongside Hon. Babu Owino, LSK President Faith Odhiambo, and a dedicated legal team, we successfully secured the unconditional release of a mother and her 7-month-old baby, alongside a Sh 1,000 cash bail for over 200 youths."
The governor commended the judiciary for what he described as its commitment to upholding justice.
"We commend the courts for upholding fair judgment and firmly refusing to be weaponised...," Orengo said.
He added that the ruling demonstrated that "the law must remain a shield for the innocent, not a sword for the current regime's oppression."
Orengo also maintained that "Criminalising protest has no place in our constitutional democracy," adding that, "We remain vigilant and unbowed."
His remarks came after he appeared at the Milimani Law Courts alongside Owino, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Odhiambo to support people arrested during the June 25 memorial demonstrations as they awaited arraignment.
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.
She said the legal team pushed for the suspects to be presented before the court without undue delay in line with their constitutional right to a fair trial.
According to Odhiambo, advocates had also been assembled to represent the suspects on a pro bono basis, while lawyers near Kibra and Makadara Law Courts were asked 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.
Ahead of the demonstrations, Owino had pledged to provide legal representation to any protesters who might be arrested.
The Law Society of Kenya and other human rights organisations have also maintained that people arrested during demonstrations are entitled to constitutional safeguards, including prompt arraignment before a court, access to legal representation and due process.
