A 16-year-old Methusela Kiama Maina has been released by the police after being arrested in Mlolongo, Machakos County.
The high school student was on his way to buy lunch for his family when he was arrested by police officers manning the area.
According to his brother, Kiama was bullied by the rogue police officers and taken into custody while protests were going on in the area.
Further, he appealed to the public to help him ensure the safe release of Kiama adding that he was missing out on school.
“He was not protesting he was sent to buy lunch and got arrested as he was going about his business. He was bullied by the rogue police officers. He’s at Mlolongo Police Station, instead of being at school,” he said.
Also Read: Ruto Orders Release of Select Kenyans Arrested During Protests
Police Release Kiama and Way Forward
Members of the public including activists who have been on the frontline during protests reached out to lawyers to help Kiama.
Kenyans called out the National Police Service for holding a minor and a student who had not committed any crime.
However, the Mavoko police officers have eventually released him, booking him for hearing on Friday, July 26.
“Kiama has finally been released for now. He has been released on a free bond and will appear before Magistrate at Mavoko Law court tomorrow 26th July.
“Thanks to all the people who reposted my tweet and helped in the quick release, waiting for the hearing of his case tomorrow,” his brother stated.
On the other hand, Kenyans have continued to call on the police to allow Kiama to go back to school instead of taking him to court on a school day.
“Just spoken to Kiama’s brother. Kiama was held from Tuesday and released today. He needs to be back in school, but the police say he has to be presented in court tomorrow.
“He had gone to buy lunch. Kindly reach out if you can assist,” the co-founder of Usikimie and Activist Njeri Wa Migwi said.
Also Read: Govt to Support Businesses Looted During Protests
Ruto Makes order on arrested Protestors
On July 24, President William Ruto ordered for the release of all protesters who were arrested during the anti-government protests who had not committed any crime.
According to Ruto, everyone who may have been caught on the wrong sides of the law with no criminal acts ought to be released and all charges against them withdrawn.
“We must do all we can to ensure the this does not happen again. The government of Kenya will offer necessary support to families of individuals who lost their lives.
“I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure that people who may have been innocently caught in the wrong side of things be released and charges against them withdrawn. It is important that these suspects are brought to book and prosecuted,” said Ruto.
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