All Azimio MPs, Supporters Arrested in Protests Have Been Freed

Monday, April 3, 2023 –Government has today started withdrawing all cases facing Azimio la Umoja politicians and supporters who had been apprehended during recent protests.

Today alone, the Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji has withdrawn a case against six Azimio leaders who were charged together with participating in unlawful demonstration and malicious property damage in Kisumu and Nairobi cities.

In his statement today, Haji told the court that this was being done in the spirit of the ongoing dialogue for peace between the government and the opposition.

“We wish to withdraw the case under section 87A of the Penal Code to create an enabling environment for peace between the accused persons and the state. I urge that the matter be withdrawn,” the prosecution said.

Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo, Richard Chonga (Kilifi South MP), Amina Laura Mnyazi (Malindi), George Yogo Obure and Esther Oromi who did not appear in court, were on Monday, discharged by Kahawa Law Court senior principal magistrate Boaz Ombewa.

Magistrate Ombewa admitted the withdrawal prayers from the DPP saying the accused can now be discharged.

“I have considered the application by the state for withdrawal of the six accused persons under section 87A, and I hereby discharge them,” Magistrate Ombewa said.

Furthermore, the senior principal magistrate ordered that their cash bail be refunded as soon as possible.

The six accused, through their lawyer Danstan Omari, thanked the State and the judiciary for withdrawing the cases.

One of the demands from the opposition leader was that all supporters arrested and charged in the last three weeks should be freed by the State; what Ruto agreed with.