Four activists in court over protest
Four human rights activist were on Tuesday charged with taking part in a riot after being ordered to disperse by police.
Gacheke Gachiki, Wilfred Olal, John Koome and Nelson Mandela were also charged with resisting arrest and behaving in a disorderly manner at Central Police station.
They denied the charges and were each released on a Sh500, 000 bond with a surety of similar amount or an alternative of Sh200, 000 cash bail.
The accused allegedly continued taking part in a riot after being commanded to disperse.
According to the prosecution, the accused also resisted arrest by a superintendent and a chief inspector of police who at the time were acting in their execution of their duties.
They also allegedly at Central Police station jointly behaved in a disorderly manner by shouting, banging cell doors and insulting police.
The offences are alleged to have been committed on February 13 this year at Uhuru Park area in Nairobi central business district. The case will be heard on March 31.
Last Thursday morning, police dispersed hundreds of activist who sought to access Uhuru Park freedom corner for during a demonstration dubbed “state of the nation”.
The activists who included cleric Timothy Njoya and former journalist turned activist Boniface Mwangi were denied access to the park by police who lobbed teargas at them.