A magistrate court in Nairobi on Friday released former Harambee Stars captain Robert Otiti and boxing trainer Suleiman Bilali on a personal bond of Sh50,000 each, with a surety of the same amount.
The move came even after the prosecution filed an application seeking to detain the duo for a further ten days to allow for investigations into allegations that they had posted content on X inciting protesters.
“Personal bond of Sh50,000 with one surety of a similar amount, but I also put herein that a cash bail could be given of Sh20,000 with one contact person,” ruled Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego.
The prosecution had argued for continued detention, stating that the suspects were needed to assist with investigations, including accessing their bank and M-Pesa statements, and recording statements from key witnesses.
However, the defence team opposed the application, stating that the prosecution had failed to present compelling reasons for further detention when the suspects were arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, June 26.
The defence urged the court to dismiss the application and instead release the respondents on bond or bail.
According to the prosecution’s, the two are alleged to have published false information, contrary to Section 23 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.
It was further alleged that the suspects were linked to an inflammatory and inciting timetable that circulated on various social media platforms, calling on members of the public to attend a protest march aimed at unlawfully taking over and occupying State House during the 25 June Gen Z commemorative protests.
The two were arrested on June 24, a day before the protests, and detained at Capital Hill police station before being arraigned on June 26.
The case is set to proceed on July 8, 2025.
by OJOO ABISAKI
