Image: HUSSEIN KHALID/TWITTER
Protesters who were arrested on Friday during the Saba Saba demonstrations have been released.
Haki Africa executive director Hussein Khalid said the 35 pro-democracy protesters were released following the intervention of former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Senior Counsel John Khaminwa, lawyer George Kegoro and rights activists Boniface Mwangi.
“Following the concerted efforts of all civil society organisations, I’m happy to have been present today Sunday morning to witness the release of all 35 comrades who were arrested on #SabaSabaMarchForOurLives,” Khalid said in a statement on Twitter.
They were all released unconditionally, Defenders Coalition said in a separate statement saying, “Free at last. Thank you all comrades and legal teams. Protesting is not a crime.”
Mwangi said the protesters were released almost at noon on Sunday.
Their release came even after police on Saturday told lawyers who sought their release that they intended to charge the protesters with unlawful assembly, assault and destruction of property.
Khalid said the efforts geared towards the fight against repression will continue undeterred.
“We remain committed to delivering this country from the shackles of state oppression, police brutality and greedy leaders. The struggle continues, victory is certain,” he added.
Efforts to have the 35 protesters released on Friday from the Central Police Station where they were being detained bore no fruits.
This was even after Mutunga and Khaminwa camped at the police station until late in the night as they tried to argue their case.
On Saturday, Mutunga and several activists and lawyers returned to the station in renewed efforts to facilitate their release but they were teargassed by police forcing them to run for their safety.
