Four activists challenge charge sheet over Mama Ngina street protest, decline to plead

• Julius Haruda Migori, Dickson Muli, Collins Otieno and Julius Kamau were presented in court over an alleged incident on September 21, 2026.

Four activists accused of obstructing the operation of vehicles along Mama Ngina Street in Nairobi have challenged their charge sheet in court and did not take a plea.

Julius Haruda Migori, Dickson Muli, Collins Otieno and Julius Kamau were presented in court over an alleged incident on September 21, 2026.

The charge sheet accuses them of unlawfully obstructing the operation of vehicles along Mama Ngina Street, contrary to Section 58(c) of the Road Act, Chapter 408 of the Laws of Kenya.

The prosecution alleges that the four, jointly with others who have not been presented before the court, barricaded the road using burners, thereby obstructing the movement of motor vehicles.

Their lawyer, however, challenged the charge sheet, arguing that the accused had notified police of their intention to hold a demonstration.

The defence submitted that the Constitution protects the right of people to assemble, demonstrate, picket and present petitions peacefully and unarmed, adding that it was the responsibility of the police to provide security for demonstrators who had given notice.

The defence further alleged that it was police officers, rather than the demonstrators, who were responsible for obstructing roads during Monday's events.

The lawyer asked the court to assert its authority and ensure that police operate within the law, arguing that officers appeared not to have properly handled the demonstrations.

The prosecution opposed the defence application, maintaining that the charge sheet was proper and sufficiently detailed to give the accused adequate notice of the allegations against them. I

t argued that at this stage, the court's primary concern was whether the accused understood the charges against them and could therefore proceed to plead.

The prosecution consequently urged the court to dismiss the objection and direct the accused to take their pleas.

Ruling will be delivered at 2pm.