Arrested activists face court as rights groups protest crackdown

A group of activists and protesters arrested in connection with the June 25, 2025, protests has been arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts under tight security.

The activists, some of whom had been in custody for several days, were ferried to court in a convoy of three police vehicles.

Upon arrival on Monday, they were escorted out one by one by a heavy police presence and ushered into the courtroom as supporters gathered outside in solidarity.

The crowd, composed largely of fellow activists, broke into chants of “Viva comrades, viva!” while raising their fists, a gesture met with similar salutes and cheers from those in custody.

Some of those arrested shouted back in defiance and unity, prompting louder cheers from their supporters.

The arrested activists were part of nationwide protests held on June 25, 2025, which drew thousands of demonstrators to the streets in Nairobi and other major towns.

The protests were largely youth-led and fuelled by broader governance concerns as they commemorated one year since the Finance Bill 2024 protests.

The Demonstrations saw several lives lost and properties destroye,d including key government installations.

Human rights groups have raised concerns over the arrests, alleging arbitrary detentions and excessive force by law enforcement during the protests.

The court is expected to give directions on the activists' release or continued detention.