NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ngong Law Courts have acquitted 50 youths arrested in Ongata Rongai, within Kajiado North Constituency, in connection with the Gen Z-led protests held on June 24, 2024.
The group had been charged over demonstrations opposing the Finance Bill 2024, which sparked widespread youth-led protests across the country.
Delivering the ruling, Chief Magistrate Charles Kutwa noted that the prosecution failed to call any witnesses to support the charges, leaving the case without sufficient evidence. He therefore acquitted all 50 accused persons.
The court also ordered the refund of all cash bail deposits, effectively bringing the case to a close and setting the youths free.
Speaking after the decision, the group, through their lawyer Shadrack Wambui, welcomed the ruling, describing it as fair and just, and expressed gratitude to the court for upholding due process.
The youths said they would now focus on rebuilding and moving forward following the conclusion of the case.