Faith Masita
Kisumu, Kenya A Kisumu court on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, granted bail to ten suspects linked to political violence following chaotic scenes associated with the Linda Mwananchi rally, ordering each to pay Sh10,000 in cash bail or meet alternative bond conditions of Sh30,000 with a surety.
The group appeared before Chief Magistrate Benson Ireri at the Kisumu Law Courts where they denied all felony charges brought against them in connection with disturbances that marred the opposition rally held over the weekend.
Prosecutors had urged the court to remand the suspects for an additional 14 days to allow investigators more time to conclude inquiries. However, Magistrate Ireri ruled against extended detention, noting that the accused did not present a threat to public safety and were entitled to bail under the Kenyan Constitution. He stressed that ongoing investigations, including forensic analysis of mobile phones seized by authorities, could continue while the suspects remained free on bond.
The suspects were arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who had been monitoring them amid allegations that they were planning acts of violence ahead of or during the Linda Mwananchi event. Police recovered crude weapons, including daggers and knives, from a vehicle in which the suspects were travelling, according to the charge sheet.
Those charged include Shadrack Aula, Collins Omondi, Patrick Bunde, Earnest Masheti, Silas Odero, Dickson Ochieng, Hemile Omondi, Clifford Juma, David Omolo and Pater Okoth.
The matter is scheduled for mention on March 14, 2026, as the judicial process continues.
The arrests form part of broader tensions surrounding recent political rallies, including reported disruptions and debates over security responses to opposition events. Separate reporting shows that leaders involved in the Linda Mwananchi movement have publicly condemned alleged interference and violence at political gatherings, saying such incidents underscore the fragility of democratic expression ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group appeared before Chief Magistrate Benson Ireri at the Kisumu Law Courts where they denied all felony charges brought against them in connection with disturbances that marred the opposition rally held over the weekend.
Prosecutors had urged the court to remand the suspects for an additional 14 days to allow investigators more time to conclude inquiries. However, Magistrate Ireri ruled against extended detention, noting that the accused did not present a threat to public safety and were entitled to bail under the Kenyan Constitution. He stressed that ongoing investigations, including forensic analysis of mobile phones seized by authorities, could continue while the suspects remained free on bond.
The suspects were arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) who had been monitoring them amid allegations that they were planning acts of violence ahead of or during the Linda Mwananchi event. Police recovered crude weapons, including daggers and knives, from a vehicle in which the suspects were travelling, according to the charge sheet.
Those charged include Shadrack Aula, Collins Omondi, Patrick Bunde, Earnest Masheti, Silas Odero, Dickson Ochieng, Hemile Omondi, Clifford Juma, David Omolo and Pater Okoth.
The matter is scheduled for mention on March 14, 2026, as the judicial process continues.
The arrests form part of broader tensions surrounding recent political rallies, including reported disruptions and debates over security responses to opposition events. Separate reporting shows that leaders involved in the Linda Mwananchi movement have publicly condemned alleged interference and violence at political gatherings, saying such incidents underscore the fragility of democratic expression ahead of the 2027 elections.
