Requests 30 More Days to Finalize Probe into Trio Accused of Fueling Protest Chaos
A new development has emerged in the case against three human rights activists — Francis Mutunge, John Mulingwa, and Mark Amiani — who were arrested following the controversial June 25 protests. The trio appeared in court on Wednesday, July 23, for the mention of their case.
During the court session, the prosecution requested an additional 30 days to complete investigations. They alleged that the three played a role in enabling violent elements, often referred to as “goons,” to infiltrate the peaceful demonstrations.
According to prosecutors, they have so far completed 70 percent of the investigation but require more time to conduct a cyber forensic analysis of the activists’ mobile phones and audit suspected banking fraud linked to their financial transactions.
However, the defence team pushed back, arguing that the prosecution had already had enough time to build their case and should by now know whether there’s any real evidence worth pursuing. Despite these objections, the court agreed to grant the 30-day extension.
But in a slight reprieve for the accused, the judge lifted the previous requirement that they report to the police station twice a week.
The matter is now set to be mentioned again on August 21.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in their report dated June 26, had accused the three activists of coordinating and using digital platforms and social media to incite violence, encourage looting, and cause widespread destruction of property during the protests.
The arrests triggered a major outcry from civil society and human rights groups, who came out in full support of the trio. Among the loudest voices was the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), which condemned the charges as “baseless” and “a deliberate misrepresentation of the facts.”
“These three comrades are not criminals,” KHRC stated. “They are respected human rights defenders, celebrated regionally for using music and art as powerful tools for activism and social justice. Their record of standing in solidarity with the oppressed speaks for itself.”
Following the growing public pressure, the three activists were granted cash bail of Ksh200,000 each on July 2. Their lawyer, addressing the media shortly after the ruling, expressed confidence that they would be released before the end of the day.
Upon release, they were ordered not to participate in the same activities that led to their arrest and were required to report to the police every Monday and Thursday. That reporting condition has now been dropped, though investigations into the case are still ongoing.
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