There was drama at the Narok Law Courts on Tuesday after anti-riot police fired warning shots and tear gas canisters to disperse a group of about 400 morans who allegedly attempted to forcefully free a businessman and politician facing murder charges.
The suspect, David Matuke Ole Mayone, had been arraigned in connection with the alleged killing of a man in Majimoto. He is also accused of opening fire on police officers during the incident.
Tension was evident from early morning as dozens of Mayone’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse carrying placards demanding his release.
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The situation prompted authorities to heighten security, deploying heavily armed officers both inside and outside the court premises.
Appearing before Principal Magistrate Esther Mwikali Mutuku, Mayone, through his lawyer, did not take a plea but instead sought release on bond pending the completion of investigations.
The defence argued that bond is a constitutional right and maintained that there were no compelling reasons to continue detaining the suspect.
However, the court rejected the application.
Magistrate Mutuku ordered that Mayone undergo a mental assessment before further proceedings and directed that he remain in custody until next Thursday when he is expected to return to court.
Shortly after the court session, tension escalated as officers escorted the suspect to the holding cells. Supporters allegedly attempted to snatch him from police custody, prompting a swift response from security officers.
The confrontation quickly descended into chaos, forcing anti-riot police to fire warning shots into the air and lob tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd.
The standoff lasted nearly 20 minutes before the morans retreated, allowing officers to safely transfer the suspect to Narok Prison.
The dramatic scenes caused panic among court users and members of the public, although no injuries were immediately reported.
Woman Charged With Preparation to Commit a Felony
In a separate case at the Milimani Law Courts, a middle-aged woman was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Irene Thamara and charged with preparation to commit a felony contrary to Section 308(1) of the Penal Code.
Lavender Akinyi Ogilo appeared in court on June 2, 2026, where she denied the charge.
The prosecution opposed her release on bail, describing her as a flight risk and a serial offender.
According to court documents, Ogilo was arrested on May 31, 2026, along 1st Parklands Avenue in Westlands, Nairobi, while in the company of other individuals who were not presented before the court.
The State alleged that she was found in possession of housebreaking implements, including crowbars, assorted screwdrivers and a Y-spanner, under circumstances suggesting an intention to break into a building and commit a felony.
In opposing bail, the investigating officer told the court that multiple complaints had been lodged against the accused at several police stations, including Kilimani, Gigiri, Parklands and Spring Valley.
The reports relate to offences that remain under investigation, including burglary, stealing and breaking into premises.
The prosecution further claimed that Ogilo fled the scene after the alleged attempted offence and alerted her accomplices before going into hiding.
The court heard that she was later traced in Tanzania and allegedly fled to Uganda after learning that police officers were pursuing her.
According to investigators, releasing the accused on bail could interfere with ongoing investigations and efforts to recover property believed to have been stolen in connection with the reported offences.
The prosecution also argued that Ogilo has no known fixed place of residence and is therefore likely to abscond if granted bail.
Principal Magistrate Thamara is expected to deliver a ruling on the bail application on June 3, 2026.