Governor Orengo lauds court ruling freeing over 200 Gen Z protest suspects on bail

Siaya Governor James Orengo in court during proceedings involving suspects arrested in the June 25, 2026 Gen Z memorial demonstrations. (Photo: X/ James Orengo)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Friday, June 26, 2026

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According to Orengo, the ruling went beyond the immediate case and spoke to the broader role of the judiciary in safeguarding civil freedoms.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has hailed a court ruling on Friday that saw over 200 individuals arrested during the June 25 Gen Z memorial demonstrations on Thursday released on cash bail, describing the decision as a victory for justice and constitutional freedoms.

Orengo, alongside Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, represented the accused during the proceedings.

Among those presented in court was a mother and her seven-month-old baby.

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According to Orengo, the ruling went beyond the immediate case and spoke to the broader role of the judiciary in safeguarding civil freedoms.

“The judiciary has reminded us that the law must remain a shield for the innocent, not a sword for the current regime's oppression. Criminalising protest has no place in our constitutional democracy. We remain vigilant and unbowed. Aluta Continua!

Court documents indicate that the protesters gathered along Landhies Road at around 9.30 am on Thursday, where they allegedly obstructed traffic by placing stones on the roadway and burning tyres, effectively blocking access for motorists and other road users.

The suspects were later booked at various police stations before being taken to court. Those presented included 12 from Kamukunji Police Station, 58 from Shauri Moyo Police Station, 46 from Industrial Area Police Station and 87 from Central Police Station.

All the accused persons denied the charges and pleaded not guilty.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) subsequently withdrew charges against the young mother after considering her circumstances.