Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, County Speaker Teddy Mwambire, and two others were released on a Ksh.100,000 bond or a Ksh.50,000 cash bail.

Chief Magistrate Martha Mutuku ruled on Monday that the prosecution had not presented convincing reasons to grant the accused release.

PHOTO | COURTESY Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga

The court also found that because the accused were civil workers, there was no reason to direct them to report to Investigators; instead, they were obliged to present in court throughout their trials.

On Wednesday, July 19, the legislators were detained in Mtwapa, where they had assembled to address locals before the start of anti-government rallies. 

They were charged with unlawful assembly violating Penal Code Section 78(1).

Victor Katana (Chonga's aide) and Patrick Chiro (a worker in Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo's office) were also charged.

PHOTO | COURTESY Protests

The opposition has announced that it will resume anti-government protests against the high cost of living on Wednesday. During a Saturday press conference at the SKM Command Centre, Azimio leaders said the protests will be peaceful.

Usawa Kwa Wote Party leader Mwangi wa Iria said the opposition is unwilling to engage the Kenya Kwanza government, adding that atrocities had been meted out on some citizens.

"Our peaceful demos will continue next Wednesday and we will notify all OCSs in the country," he said. Further, Wa Iria condemned police attacks on civilians targeted in certain areas.

PHOTO | COURTESY Raila Odinga

On his part, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed meeting the "American British, Danish and UN representatives and ambasadors came to my residence but we agreed not to talk to the media."

He continued, "They were very concerned that peaceful demos turned violent."