Piece by: GARVIN PATRICK

03 July 2024

• The goons went on to loot supermarkets disrupting and torching businesses where some caught up with the law

The Judiciary has issued a clarification regarding a court case in Eldoret where a protester was charged and released on a Ksh10 million bond.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, July 2, 2024, the Judiciary explained that the protester, Jonathan Paul Mutua, faced charges related to the theft of items valued at Ksh37 million.

Initial reports on July 2, 2024, had indicated that Mutua was granted a Ksh10 million bond by the Eldoret court after being accused of stealing 181 kgs of goat meat during protests on June 25, 2024.

However, the Judiciary clarified that Mutua was actually charged with, "Breaking into a building and committing a felony contrary to Section 306 (a) of the Penal Code on June 25, 2024."

Contrary to media reports, the Judiciary emphasized that the case did not involve the theft of goat meat but rather serious charges related to breaking into a building and felony offenses.

The statement further clarified that an alternative charge of "Handling of Stolen Property contrary to section 322(1)(2) of the Penal Code" was also included.

Regarding the bond amount, the Judiciary stated, "The magistrate exercised discretion and granted a bond of Ksh. 10 million in view of the total value of Ksh. 37 million."

The case remains active, with ongoing investigations and additional suspects being apprehended.