Maina Njenga calls for peace talks after being released

While addressing supporters outside the court, Njenga called for peace and asked President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to hold talks as a way of restoring peace.

He said the country was facing many challenges related to economy and hardship maintaining that they cannot be solved by arresting demonstrators.

He said the issues can only be addressed through dialogue between the opposition and the government.

Njenga also said he will not be cowed into keeping quiet but will continue talking about challenges facing Kenyans especially on bad governance and economic hardship.

His speech was however cut short by police who ordered him and his supporters to leave immediately or they be dispersed.

Njenga was charged alongside his brother Peter Njoroge and Felix Ratu that they had 14 machetes, 24 Maasai swords, 46 rungus and three jembe sticks in circumstances which raised reasonable presumption that the weapons were intended to be used in prejudicial to public order.

They committed the offence on July 20 at Kiserian area within Kajiado County. The three denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Francis Kyambia. The prosecution opposed their release on bond. In their submission the DPP argued that there was a likelihood that Njenga may commit more crimes or offences from the record of his character as he was recently charged in a Nakuru court.

"The recovery of offensive weapons from the accused and the Nakuru case is similar as this one. Njenga is a repeat offender. If released Njenga is likely to continue perpetuating similar crimes," the court was told. It was also claimed by the prosecution side that Njenga was an influential person and is likely to instill fear and harm witnesses that will come to give evidence in court.

The prosecution added that Njenga's life is under threat from other outlawed sects and other accomplices are at large and Njenga may influence them not to be arrested if released. Through their 14 lawyers led by Harun Ndubi, the accused pleaded for lenient bond terms stating that their rights were violated having charged past 24 hours.