Teenager Arrested Amid Mlolongo Protests Released, Faces Court Appearance

A 16-year-old boy named Methusellah Kiama, who gained widespread attention after his arrest during protests in Mlolongo on July 23, 2024, has been released on a free bond but is expected to appear before a Magistrate at Mavoko Law Court on July 26. The teenager’s arrest, which involved aggressive police conduct, has sparked significant public outrage and calls for justice.

Kiama, a school-going teenager, was apprehended amidst a demonstration, despite his brother, who shared the incident on social media, claiming that Kiama was running errands for their family and was not involved in the protests. Videos and photos circulating on social media depict a distressing scene where Kiama is seen being roughly handled by several police officers. In one particularly poignant clip shared by digital creator Fred Mwangi, Kiama is shown sitting by the Mlolongo highway, visibly distressed and seemingly fearful as officers search his pockets and order him around.

The visuals quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from Kenyans on social media. The public’s response was swift, with many rallying under the hashtag #FreeKiama and advocating for his release. The outpouring of support led to Kiama’s release just two days after his arrest, albeit on the condition that he would appear before the court.

Kiama’s brother, who has been vocal about the ordeal, expressed frustration over the situation. He highlighted that Kiama, a minor, should have been in school rather than facing legal proceedings. “This is my brother. He was not protesting; he was sent to buy lunch and was wrongfully arrested,” he wrote on social media. He further criticized the government’s handling of the situation, questioning why a schoolboy should be charged for allegedly participating in a riot.

The brother’s public appeals and the subsequent viral nature of the incident put significant pressure on the authorities. On July 24, President William Ruto addressed the nation and called for the immediate release of all individuals wrongfully arrested during the anti-government protests. He urged criminal justice agencies to act decisively to release those who were caught up in the protests innocently and to drop any charges against them.

Kiama’s arrest and the ensuing public reaction highlight a growing concern about police conduct during demonstrations and the treatment of minors in such situations. The incident has also intensified scrutiny on the government’s response to the ongoing protests and the broader issue of civil rights and freedoms in Kenya.

As Kiama awaits his court appearance, his case has become a symbol of the broader discontent with the way protest-related arrests are handled. The teenager’s ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the need for reforms to ensure that individuals, especially minors, are treated fairly and justly in times of civil unrest.

In the meantime, public support continues to pour in, with many hoping that Kiama will not only be exonerated but also that the incident will prompt a review of police practices and the treatment of individuals during protests. The coming days will be crucial as the legal proceedings unfold and the broader implications of this case are addressed.