Over 70 people who were arrested during Friday’s Saba Saba demonstrations in Nairobi were Monday released.
This is after the prosecutor told the court he received instructions for the persons not to be charged.
Friday’s protests across the country were organized by the opposition to picket against the high cost of living.
The protests were called to mark Saba Saba, which is associated with the struggle for a multiparty system in the country.
But in Nairobi, where opposition leader Raila Odinga led a rally at Kamukunji Grounds, police engaged in running battles with protesters, and in the melee that ensued, dozens were arrested and taken into custody at the Central Police Station.
Several others were arrested in some parts of the country and were released on cash bail ranging from Sh10,000 and 30,000.
On Saturday, police at Central police station lobbed tear gas at a group of human rights activists led by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga.
The group was at the station seeking the release of 32 activists who had been arrested in the protests.
They were released on Saturday.
Police say at least four officers were injured in last Friday’s Saba Saba protests in Nairobi.
Police shot and killed at least five people in separate incidents in Kisii, Migori, and Kisumu.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority says they are investigating the shooting incidents that were reported.
The officers were injured in the Kamkunji area where protesters clashed with police.
This was as they left the historic Kamkunji grounds and tried to access the Central Business District, police say.
During the incident two police motor vehicles- a Toyota Land cruiser and Ranger- had their windscreens smashed.
The injured officers were treated in hospital and discharged.
The police action has divided government officials with some feeling police were using excessive force on the protesters.
Some government officials felt the protesters could have been left to march through the streets under police guidance rather than disperse them.
The police violence left several cars damaged.
The officers also used water cannons in dispersing the group which had been peaceful.
Officials are discussing the mode of the police operations in the subsequent protests, if any.
