A Nairobi court on Wednesday freed activist Julius Kamau and nine others arrested during a botched fuel price protest in the central business district, granting each a KSh3,000 bail after a chaotic court session.
The group had been detained following their arrest near the National Archives on Tuesday, where police moved to disperse small clusters of demonstrators linked to the #RejectFuelPrice campaign.
Proceedings briefly descended into disorder after Kamau led a protest inside the courtroom, prompting a temporary adjournment before order was restored and the case resumed.
During the hearing, two of the accused were referred for age assessment after authorities raised concerns that they could be minors. The court directed that verification be conducted before further legal steps are taken.
The remaining defendants were released on bail shortly after the session resumed, with magistrates emphasizing the need for calm as investigations continue.
Earlier, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that 11 individuals had been arrested during the operation, though one suspect was not presented alongside the others in court.
Security remained heightened across Nairobi central business district, with a visible police presence stationed at key junctions and public spaces. Despite the deployment, business operations continued largely uninterrupted.
According to a police situation report, protest activity within the capital was limited and quickly contained, with officers maintaining a strong presence to deter further mobilization.
Pedestrian and vehicular traffic flowed normally through most parts of the city, reflecting minimal disruption despite the tensions surrounding the demonstrations.
Beyond the capital, only isolated incidents were recorded. In Kirinyaga County, a small group lit a bonfire in Mwea Town, though daily activities continued without interruption.
In Emali Town, Makueni County, an increased police presence was observed, but no demonstrations took place. Similarly, calm prevailed in Mlolongo, Machakos County, where authorities maintained routine patrols.
Officials noted that while tensions remain, the overall security situation across affected regions has remained stable.
The protests come amid mounting public frustration over rising fuel prices, which have placed additional pressure on households and businesses already grappling with a high cost of living.
