Days after being caught on video hurling insults at Interior CS Fred Matiang’i and her Education counterpart Amina Mohammed, the Ambira High School students finally came face to face with the law yesterday. They however did not find a smooth landing as the Court ordered that they be remanded for more days as investigations into their uncouth act is concluded.
They appeared before Ukwala Resident Magistrate Gladys Adhiambo but did not take plea to any charge after the prosecution requested for seven more days to wrap up investigations.
The magistrate granted the prosecution’s request and ordered the minors detained at Ugunja Police Station until December 3.
“The application to hold the suspects at Ugunja police station for purposes of completing investigations is merited and unopposed,” she said.
“The suspects have indicated that they are all minors and I therefore order that they be held at the children’s cells.”
A number of Kenyans have aired their displeasure online over the manner with which the students have been treated and have specifically singled out Inspector General of Police for the serious manner he has handled the matter.
Lawyer Nelson Havi has now come out and offered legal assistance to the students .
According to Havi, he cannot allow high handed executive decision to punish children.
“We have offered to act for the 8 Ambira High School boys. If you know the identities and contacts of their parents or guardians, please notify us ASAP. We cannot have a high handed executive decision to punish children and a more than willing Court assisting in the transgression,” said Havi in a tweet.
Haji joins ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna who already aired his displeasure with the manner in which the government has handled the matter.
According to Sifuna, the government has overreacted. Sifuna pointed out that there are limitations to the freedom of speech but hurling insults is certainly not one of them.
Sifuna argues that the students need professional guidance and counseling and not a jail sentence.
“Aarghh…this is an over reaction! The limitations upon freedom of speech are known bwana and “hurling insults” isnt one of them! There really isnt an equivalent to the release one feels upon finishing high school. What they need is guidance not jail!,” tweeted Sifuna.
Havi’s resolve to defend the students in Court has also elicited many reactions with some sections of Kenyans welcoming his decision while others have not.
I know the kids, they are very indisciplined, wacha wakae ndani kwanza, watawachiliwa tu wakili.
— Baba Norlan (@WuonyadozJunior) November 27, 2018
Excellent Wakili. The court must first deal with Muthama for insulting Waiguru, RUTO for insulting Raila and Uhuru for insulting Maraga and SCOK Judges. Children learn from adults
— Sheto snr (@Ali710114477) November 27, 2018
Isn’t it about time courts stopped assisting the police from circumventing the constitution. It’s now normal for police to arrest, present to court, then ask for 14 days to investigate. What should come first, arrest then investigate or investigate then arrest?
— Mike Musa (@MuhangaMike) November 27, 2018
Jana I told someone @NelsonHavi was going to act for the 8 boys. I didn’t know then, I don’t know him personally . Just that I know if there’s an advocate who would do exactly what he’s done is ?. He’s tier one, and a real G at that. Respect
— Mukire (@mukire_) November 27, 2018