Azimio blogger Pauline Njoroge, her driver Emanze Jilani and Jane Mwangi have been released on free bond without any charges being preferred against them.
The trio appeared before Malindi Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki after a whole day’s wait at the court’s cells.
A few minutes to 6:00 pm, the suspects were later ushered to the court where a miscellaneous application was tabled before the court.
In the application state counsel Vivian Kambuga had sought to have the suspects held for 30 days to enable police complete investigations.
The state had sought orders to search Pauline’s homes and other areas she has been visiting.
Kambuga further told the court that the applicant is investigating and plans to charge the suspects with offences under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act
Kambuga had further sought for orders to bar Pauline Njoroge from commenting about the matter on all her social media accounts.
“The state is opposed to having the suspects released on free bond since offences that the state intends to prefer against the respondents are serious,” said Kambuga.
“The first accused person is a very influential person on social media and has a huge media presence and followers numbering over 399,000.”
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions also wants the court to order Njoroge to deposit her passport in court.
The magistrate ordered the suspects to be released on free bond to allow state agencies to have the suspects produced in court to face relevant charges.
“I order each of the suspects to be released each on a free bond the state has not justified the grounds for continued detention, the respondents should appear before the court on, July 26 for further directions,” he stated.
