NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 30 – A Nairobi court has released content creator Ezekiel Kyama Nzyoki, popularly known online for his “Mr Speaker Sir” catchphrase, on a personal bond of Sh100,000 after he was charged over last year’s anti-government protests that culminated in the invasion of Parliament Buildings.
Nzyoki faces charges linked to the June 25, 2024 demonstrations, during which protesters breached Parliament grounds amid nationwide unrest over government policies.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly entered the precincts of Parliament without lawful authority, an offence under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.
He is also accused of malicious damage to property contrary to Section 339(1) of the Penal Code.
The prosecution alleges that Nzyoki, together with other individuals who have not yet been arrested, destroyed property belonging to the Parliamentary Service Commission during the chaos at Parliament.
Among the items reportedly damaged are sections of the perimeter fence, the mausoleum flag post, furniture, ICT equipment, television screens, electrical installations, kitchenware and vehicles.
Prosecutors estimate the value of the damaged property at KSh41.2 million.
Nzyoki was arrested last week within the court premises shortly after he had been released on bail in a separate case before Magistrate Nyangena.
He was represented in court by Embakasi East MP and lawyer Babu Owino, who urged the court to grant reasonable bond terms.
Owino argued that the prosecution had not opposed the accused’s release on bail and warned that excessive bond conditions would undermine Nzyoki’s constitutional right to liberty.
The legislator further submitted that the charges before the court were not capital offences and that the court should not rely on allegations that had not yet been substantiated through evidence.
He also told the court that criminal proceedings were still at a preliminary stage and that the presumption of innocence remained protected under the Constitution.
While delivering the ruling, the trial magistrate noted that the prosecution had not presented any valuation report or supporting documentation to justify the claimed loss of Sh41 million cited in the charge sheet.
The court further observed that although the accused was alleged to have acted jointly with other suspects still at large, he could not bear responsibility for individuals who had not yet appeared before court.
Finding that the prosecution had failed to demonstrate compelling reasons to deny bail, the court released Nzyoki on a personal bond of Sh100,000 pending further proceedings.
