Nanyuki: Freedom of Assembly on trial once again

On 19th July 2023, Human Rights Defenders John Maigua and Darwin Wangeci were arraigned in Nanyuki Law Courts for plea taking. They were facing trumped-up charges of  unlawful Assembly, erecting a roadblock, incitement to violence, and creating disturbance, which they pleaded not guilty to.

They were released on a cash bail of Ksh. 10,000 each which Defenders Coalition posted on their behalf.

Darwin and John were unlawfully arrested on 11th July 2023 while peacefully protesting against dangerous sewage disposal practices into a local river.

Police officers are said to have violently arrested them. It is concerning that on 17 July 2023, the two HRDs and in the company of a legal representative were denied access to P3 forms to report on the injuries sustained during their arrest.

The matter is set for mention on 21st July, where the OCS has been summoned to appear before court to respond to the allegations of denial of the HRDs to access P3 forms.

Defenders Coalition will be supporting these HRDs with legal representation throughout this matter.