Makadara Court cuts Saba Saba protesters’ bail from 100,000 to 30,000Ksh after 3-month detention sparks rights uproar

Seven protesters arrested during the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations have finally been granted relief after the Makadara Law Courts reduced their bail from Ksh100,000 to Ksh30,000, ending more than three months in custody.

The court’s ruling followed a sustained campaign by Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and 50PlusMillionKe, who argued that the initial bail was excessive and denied the accused their constitutional right to a fair trial.

“This is a crucial step toward ensuring equal access to justice for all Kenyans,” Amnesty Kenya said in a statement, thanking the Judiciary for its action.

The group noted that five of the seven suspects had been detained for 103 days after failing to raise the initial bail, highlighting growing concerns about economic inequality in the justice system.

Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo defended the bail-setting process, noting that judicial officers consider multiple factors such as the seriousness of the offence, the accused’s background, and the likelihood of interference with investigations.

He added that suspects may be released on personal bond if they are not considered flight risks, emphasizing that bail should not depend on guilt or innocence.

“The Judiciary never calls cases to itself it simply hears disputes brought before it. Whether protest or terrorism-related, it acts within the law,” Ndemo said.

The court’s decision has been hailed as a victory for human rights defenders and a relief for families who had been pleading for the protesters’ release.