A court in Nairobi has denied a request by the police to detain Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and 22 other individuals for an additional 14 days.
In her ruling on Tuesday, December 31, Milimani Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi noted that there were no reasons warranting further detention.
As such, Ndombi ordered their immediate release, setting the bond at Ksh 50,000 with surety or a cash bail of KSh 1,000 for each individual.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has pledged to cover the bail for the 23 individuals.
Meanwhile, the court mandated that the accused's mobile phones be retained in police custody until the case is mentioned on January 21.
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On Monday, December 30, Omtatah led a protest in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) against a series of alleged abductions targeting government critics.
The demonstration, which drew hundreds of participants, was met with a forceful response from law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of the Senator and several other protesters.
The protesters convened at Aga Khan Walk, where they conducted sit-ins and chanted slogans demanding the release of individuals reportedly abducted in recent months.
Some of the demonstrators, including Omtatah, linked themselves together with chains, symbolizing their solidarity and commitment to the cause.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, police deployed tear gas in attempt to disperse the crowd; protesters who remained steadfast were detained.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has expressed alarm over the increasing number of alleged kidnappings of government critics, reporting 82 such cases since anti-government protests began in June.
Rights groups allege that the country's police force is behind these kidnappings, though the police have denied involvement and stated that they are investigating the disappearances.
In response to the abductions, Omtatah filed a case in the High Court seeking to compel the government to release seven youths he believes were abducted by the police.
