More than 190 people arrested during the June 25 memorial protests have been released on a cash bail of KSh1,000 each after appearing before the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.

The protesters were arraigned on Friday following their arrest during demonstrations held across Nairobi to mark the first anniversary of the June 25, 2025 protests. The accused appeared before the court in groups, where the prosecution presented charges linked to offences allegedly committed during the demonstrations.

The court ordered that each suspect be released upon payment of KSh1,000 cash bail pending the hearing and determination of their respective cases. The release allows the accused to remain out of custody while the criminal proceedings continue. They are required to attend all subsequent court sessions as directed.

The court proceedings attracted a large legal team and several political leaders who turned up to represent or support those arrested. Among those present were Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and a team of advocates offering legal representation to the accused.

Lawyers representing the protesters maintained that those arrested were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration. They called for due process to be observed throughout the judicial process and urged authorities to ensure the rights of all suspects are protected.

The arrests followed nationwide demonstrations organised to commemorate victims of last year’s anti-government protests. Thousands of Kenyans took part in peaceful marches in Nairobi and several other towns, although isolated incidents of confrontation between protesters and police were reported in some areas.

Security agencies maintained a heavy presence throughout the demonstrations, with police carrying out arrests in different parts of the capital as they responded to incidents they said involved breaches of public order. Authorities later confirmed that hundreds of people had been arrested during and after the protests.

The court’s decision to grant cash bail does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Instead, it allows them to remain free while the legal process continues, subject to compliance with the conditions set by the court.

The June 25 memorial demonstrations have remained a significant political and legal issue, drawing attention from civil society organisations, lawyers and political leaders, who have continued to monitor the treatment of those arrested and the conduct of law enforcement officers during the protests.

As investigations continue, the cases are expected to return to court on dates that will be communicated to the accused, with prosecutors and defence lawyers set to argue the matters through the judicial process.