Five minors among 68 Saba Saba protest suspects detained in Machakos

A Machakos court has arraigned 68 individuals in connection with the recent Saba Saba protests, including five minors, who stand accused of participating in unlawful assembly and malicious damage to property. The magistrate ordered all suspects to be held for 10 days while police finalize investigations into the violence and destruction that shook the county. Kenya News
During the court session, Principal Magistrate Betty Koech directed that the minors return to court on July 15, accompanied by their parents and birth certificates to confirm their ages, since formal charges have not yet been filed. Kenya News The older suspects are due back in court on July 17, as investigations continue. Kenya News The arrests come amid widespread unrest, with reports of looting, vandalism, and the burning of a gas cylinder truck, as local businesses in Machakos suffered significant losses. Kenya News
The presence of minors among those detained has drawn concern from humanitarian observers. UNICEF has publicly urged that children in custody be granted immediate legal representation and access to family, emphasizing that detention should always be a last resort under both national law and international conventions. the-star.co.ke Families of affected business owners are also calling for accountability and compensation, particularly after the destruction of livelihoods. Kenya News+1
Looking ahead, the court-ordered detention window gives law enforcement a critical opportunity to build a strong case. However, as national attention intensifies, there is increasing pressure on the authorities to handle the minors’ cases with special care and to ensure due process. The outcome may also influence broader discussions about protest rights, policing tactics, and juvenile justice in Kenya.