KHRC launches fundraiser to raise cash bail for arrested protesters
By Ascah Mwango, July 17, 2025The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has launched an urgent fundraiser to help secure the release of young Kenyans who were arrested during the June 25 and Saba Saba 2025 protests.
The commission is raising cash bail for more than 100 individuals still held in custody, many of whom are reportedly unable to meet what has been described as hefty and harsh bail terms.
In a banner shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, July 17, KHRC called on Kenyans to come together and help bring the detained youth home.
“Let’s bring our innocent youth home! Urgent: bail money needed,” the banner reads in part.
Adding;
“Over 100 young Kenyans are still being unjustly detained countrywide on baseless, trumped-up charges, including terrorism, while the real goons and the politicians calling for violence remain free. They are not safe! Their only crime: standing up for Kenya’s future during the June 25th and Saba Saba 2025 protests.”
The commission’s plea comes amid growing public outcry over what many see as unjust and politically motivated bail conditions imposed on the protestors. Human rights activists and opposition leaders have condemned the arrests and accused the government of using the law to silence dissent.
Several of those arrested remain in custody, unable to meet the stringent bail conditions.
1,500 arrested
This follows a national address by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday, July 15, where he announced that approximately 1,500 individuals had been arrested across the country in connection with the protests. The CS claimed the suspects face a variety of serious charges.
“Following these unprecedented attacks, close to 1,500 individuals have been arrested across the country and are facing various charges, including terrorism, murder, robbery with violence, sexual assault, arson, and targeted attacks on strategic national infrastructure,” Murkomen said.
He revealed that some of the detainees are being handled by specialised police units.
“Of these, 50 individuals are currently under investigation by the Serious Crimes Investigations Unit, while the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit is handling 71 cases for offences related to acts of terrorism,” he added.
Murkomen credited security agencies for what he described as quick action to prevent further destruction during the protests.
“Our agencies were able to respond fast based on intelligence that revealed plans to target key infrastructure, including transport systems,” he said.
He also issued a warning to those he claimed were behind the unrest.
“Those who incited, organised, funded, or executed these attacks will face the full force of the law. The financiers and political sponsors of this mayhem are being investigated and will soon answer for their crimes,” he warned.