Eric Omondi and 15 others were convicted and sentenced to serve one month in prison or pay a fine of Sh10,000 for participating in an unlawful assembly during a demonstration against the high cost of living.
Milimani Chief Magistrate, Lukas Onyina, delivered the judgment after Omondi and his co-accused changed their plea to guilty. The charges were initially laid on February 21, 2023.
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Amongst those sentenced are; Peter Mukundi, Elisha Ochieng, Felix Ikutwa, Frank Misango, Alpha Juma, Cyril Isindu, Bonface Bahati, William Leshinka, Walder Sisulu, Philip Kiura, Ken Ndula, Mbwaya Mwale, Duncan Wafula, Rodgers Livoi and Wyclif Ligano.
“I have considered the mitigation made and the nature of the offence, which is a misdemeanor, and the fact that the prosecution has said that they are first-time offenders. Each of the suspects is hereby fined Sh10,000. In default, they will serve one month in jail.”
Lukas Onyina, Milimani Chief Magistrate
The convicted individuals had advocated for leniency during the mitigation process, saying that they were protesting the high cost of living. They pleaded with the court not to impose a harsh sentence, stating the importance of activists advocating for human rights without fear of excessive legal consequences.
“Your honor, please be lenient on us so that it would not discourage other activists from advocating for human rights for fear of being met with the lethal force of the law.”
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The court granted the convicted individuals 14 days to appeal if they were dissatisfied with the sentence. Initially, they had denied the charges and were released on Sh10,000 cash bail.
