Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji, a TV journalist, and a boda boda rider have been released on bail after being arraigned over claims of supporting the Saba Saba protests.

The three were presented before the Kahawa Law Courts on accusations of being linked to terrorism-related activities during the nationwide demonstrations held on Monday.

Kahawa Magistrate Richard Koech released Mukunji on a cash bail of Sh300,000 or an alternative bond of Sh1 million with a surety. Inooro TV journalist James Mbochi and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthia were also granted bail under similar conditions, pending the conclusion of investigations.

During the hearing, the defence sought to interrogate the investigating officer about how the accused were allegedly involved in any criminal activity, leading to tense exchanges in court.

The prosecution objected to the move and defended the arrests, arguing for the trio to be detained for 14 more days to allow for further investigation.

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, representing the accused, sharply criticised the state, accusing it of turning the judicial process into a political tool. He said the case had been rushed to court without proper justification or clear charges, pointing out that the matter was wrongly placed before the Anti-Terrorism Court.

"This case clearly indicates that they are yet to form an opinion as to the charges they were to prefer," said Njiru.

He questioned why the suspects were brought to court if the state had not yet decided which offences they would face.

"If they have not yet formed the opinion of the specific offences to answer, why are we before you? Why are we before the Anti-Terror Court? If this does not amount to weaponisation, intimidation and harassment, then what is it?" asked Njiru.

The lawyer added that the prosecution had failed to meet the constitutional threshold set for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which is to pursue matters that are of public interest and supported by credible evidence.