An Eldoret court has revised the bail conditions for Jonathan Paul Mutua, a suspect arrested during anti-tax protests in Eldoret for alleged looting.
Initially, when Mutua appeared in court on Tuesday, he was granted a bond of Ksh. 10 million without the option of cash bail. This decision sparked public outcry online. Subsequently, the court reviewed the case and adjusted the bail terms to Ksh. 200,000 in cash bail, with the option of a Ksh. 150,000 bond. This adjustment reportedly took into account the value of the items allegedly stolen during the protests.
Mutua, 29, stands accused of breaking into the Baniyas Club Square owned by Fredrick Kamau and stealing items valued at Ksh. 37,093,690. The stolen items included television screens, computers, printers, gas cylinders, furniture, utensils, food items, charcoal, beef steak, and potatoes. The prosecution alleges that Mutua, along with others not currently before the court, committed the theft.
Mutua denied the charges when he appeared before Eldoret Chief Magistrate Cherono Kesse. He was arrested after being found in possession of electronic equipment in the Kamukunji neighborhood of Uasin Gishu shortly after the looting incident.
The case is scheduled for mention on July 15.
