Veteran lawyer and politician Paul Muite has joined the growing list of leaders and human rights activists condemning the harsh bail conditions imposed on protesters arrested during the recent demonstrations.

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, he argued that charging Gen Z protesters with terrorism-related offences, followed by the imposition of unreasonably strict bail conditions, undermines the spirit of Article 49(1)(h) of the Constitution, which guarantees every arrested person the right to be released on reasonable bail terms.

Muite urged the judiciary to remain independent and impartial, warning that such decisions risk portraying magistrates as mere extensions of the Executive, rather than custodians of justice.

“Imposing these unreasonably tough Bail Conditions on Gen-Zees charged with politically motivated terrorism offences violates the Constitutional Right to Bail; Article 49(1)(h); REASONABLE Bail Conditions. Magistrates should avoid being perceived as an extension of the Executive,” Muite said.

Stringent bail conditions

Human rights activists and opposition leaders have continued to condemn the harsh bail terms, describing them as unjust and politically motivated.

Several of those arrested remain in custody, unable to meet the stringent bail conditions.

This comes just a day after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen gave a national address detailing the government’s response to the protests.

According to Murkomen, about 1,500 people were arrested across the country and are facing a range 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 during his address on Tuesday, July 15.

He went on to reveal that some of those arrested are being handled by elite police units.

“Of these, 50 individuals are currently under investigation by the Serious Crimes Investigations Unit, while 71 cases are being handled by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit for offences related to acts of terrorism,” he added.

Murkomen credited security forces for their quick action in preventing what he claimed could have been even more widespread destruction.

“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 strong warning to those he accused of being behind the protests.

“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.

At the same time, the CS acknowledged growing public concern about police brutality during the protests. He confirmed that action was already being taken against law-breaking officers.

“Any police officer accused of unlawful use of force will face the law. As I speak, one police officer has already been arraigned and is facing murder charges,” he said.