Kisumu court dismisses protest case against activist Boniface Akach over lack of evidence

The High Court in Kisumu has dismissed a case against human rights activist Boniface Akach, citing lack of evidence.

In a ruling issued on Wednesday, Principal Magistrate Maureen Nyigei declared that Akach has no case to answer following the charge of obstruction that was levelled against him.

Akach was arrested in June 2024 during the anti-Finance Bill protests, but was later released on bail.

The activist thanked the court for what he said was the fair dispensation of justice, reiterating his resolve in fighting for good governance.

Following his release in June 2024, the activist condemned the use of brute force by police officers meted on peaceful protesters.

“I witnessed police brutalizing wananchi, brutalizing protests, using number plate covered vehicles, names written on the side were covered, masked faces to ensure no one recognizes them, shooting live bullets, shooting tear gas canisters, when we were having protests,” he stated in a press briefing.

“The land cruiser appeared and charged full speed at us with their guns outside, a lot of motorbikes were destroyed, young girls injured, and two of us illegally detained over trumped up charges.”