Former LSK President Faith Odhiambo/ FILEFormer Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo has said 74 people arrested during the June 25 memorial demonstrations are expected to be arraigned in court on Friday, with a team of advocates prepared to represent them free of charge.
In a statement shared on X on Friday morning, Odhiambo said she had joined other lawyers at Central Police Station after receiving information that dozens of demonstrators were being held following their arrest during Thursday's protests.
"Early this morning, we attended Central Police Station, where we had information that about 74 people were being held following their arrest during yesterday's demonstrations," she said.
Odhiambo said the lawyers sought to ensure that the detainees' constitutional right to a fair trial was upheld by pushing for their prompt presentation before a court.
"In accordance with their right to fair trial, we agitated for their arraignment in Court without undue delay," she said.
According to Odhiambo, the 74 suspects are expected to appear before the Magistrates' Court at Milimani later on Friday.
"The 74 will be presented before the Magistrates Court in Milimani later today, where a team of Advocates are on standby to represent them pro bono," she said.
She also appealed to advocates available near Kibra and Makadara Law Courts to remain on standby in case additional suspects arrested during the demonstrations are presented before those courts.
"We urge Advocates who are available and around Kibra and Makadara Law Courts to avail themselves in the event some unaccounted people are arraigned in these courts from other police stations," Odhiambo said.
Her statement comes a day after nationwide memorial demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-government protests, during which protesters marched in several towns and cities.
On Thursday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 355 people had been arrested across the country in connection with the demonstrations.
Human rights organisations and legal groups have since called for all arrests to comply with constitutional safeguards, including prompt arraignment, access to legal representation and adherence to due process.
