Siaya Governor James Orengo at the Kajiado Law Courts /James Orengo /X
Siaya Governor James Orengo has welcomed the dismissal of treason charges against activist Bob Njagi, describing the ruling as a significant affirmation of judicial independence and the rule of law after days of legal proceedings at the Kajiado Law Courts.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, he praised the court for what he termed its commitment to justice despite claims of political interference.
"The dismissal of treason charges against Bob Njagi by the Kajiado Law Courts is a victory for the rule of law. We commend the court for upholding its integrity and resisting political manipulation," Orengo wrote on X.
The ruling came after Njagi, a human rights activist, appeared before the Kajiado Law Courts following his arrest over investigations linked to the June 25 Gen Z memorial protests.
Authorities had initially sought to hold him for two weeks to complete investigations into allegations that included incitement and later treason-related claims arising from his alleged role in mobilising the demonstrations.
A magistrate had earlier granted detectives seven days to continue holding him instead of the 14 days requested, while allowing forensic examination of mobile phones recovered during his arrest.
On the eve of Thursday's proceedings, the High Court ordered Njagi's release, overturning the earlier detention orders while directing him to report daily to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Kitengela as investigations continued.
Orengo had personally travelled to the Kajiado Law Courts alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other supporters to stand in solidarity with the activist. Before the ruling, he strongly criticised the prosecution, maintaining that the case was politically motivated.
"No Kenyan should face trumped-up charges for exercising their democratic rights. Bob Njagi's arrest is a political injustice to the entire nation," Orengo said, adding that he would remain at the court "until justice is served."
The dismissal of the treason charges marks a major development in a case that has attracted widespread public and political attention, particularly because it followed the nationwide Gen Z anniversary demonstrations.
Rights groups, opposition leaders and activists have argued that the arrests of several protesters and activists risk undermining constitutional freedoms, while the government has maintained that security agencies have a duty to investigate any criminal conduct arising from the protests.
Although the treason charges were dismissed, the broader investigations surrounding the June 25 protests remain under scrutiny. The case has also reignited debate over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional rights such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation.
For Orengo, Thursday's ruling represented more than a legal victory for one activist. He framed it as an important statement about the independence of Kenya's Judiciary and its constitutional role in safeguarding justice.
