The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has filed a petition requesting that Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and 22 other individuals, who were arrested in Nairobi during anti-abduction protests, be detained for 14 days.
In an application dated Tuesday, December 31, 2024, the DPP stated that the extended detention period is necessary to complete investigations into the suspects' arrest.
The prosecution explained that the individuals are being investigated for several offences, including incitement to violence, disobedience of the law, and creating a disturbance likely to cause a breach of peace.
"I am investigating offences of incitement to violence and disobedience of the law contrary to section 96 of the Penal Code, taking part in unlawful assembly contrary to section 78(1) as read with section 79 of the Penal Code, and creating disturbance in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace contrary to section 95 (1) (b) of the Penal Code.
"The mobile phones of the suspects need to be taken to the Communication Authority of Kenya to extract WhatsApp, Facebook, and X messages and photographs taken that are inciting members of the public against the state," read part of the application.
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The prosecution argued that if the suspects are released, they may continue to disrupt peace and tranquility within the country.
The Milimani Law Court is expected to deliver a ruling on the application.
The arrested are Omtatah, Davis Lichuma, Nick Kirima, Julius Imani, Ian Obongo, Hassan Githinji, Elisha Victory Ochieng, Odhiambo Ojiro, Victor Bonyo, Ademba Allans, Emmanuel Ongau, Movin James Amboka and Benjamin Mwaura.
Other are Stephen Owoko, James Ochieng, Joshua Okayo, Phabian Ochieng, Gayo Ahamo, Philip Onyango, Dalience Muthune, Cyrus Waweru, Nicholas Karanja and Wyne Ouma.
