A Kisumu magistrate's court ordered the unconditional release of eight individuals arrested during a violent confrontation at St. Stephen's ACK Church on July 12.
The eight suspects had been detained for 10 days following accusations linked to a clash involving rival groups during a church service attended by members of the Linda Mwananchi team.
Charges Dropped Due to Lack of Evidence
Magistrate Vee Agutu directed the release after the prosecution failed to file any charges against the suspects. The court further prohibited the state from bringing any additional charges on the same matter, effectively closing the case.
Legal Representation and Accusations of Political Motives
The suspects were represented by Senior Counsel James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and advocate Faith Odhiambo. Orengo accused the prosecution of deliberately delaying justice by pursuing unsubstantiated charges.
He characterized the arrests as politically motivated, claiming the police and judiciary were being used to settle political disputes. Despite this, Orengo commended Magistrate Agutu's decision, acknowledging it as a just ruling.
Orengo Condemns State Actions
In a Facebook statement, Orengo criticized the government under President William Ruto for what he described as state-sponsored intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and misuse of police powers.
He emphasized that the suspects were targeted simply for attending a church service and faced fabricated charges, including murder, before being detained for over two weeks.
Orengo hailed the judiciary's ruling as a significant setback to what he termed "regime impunity."
