The LSK, under the leadership of President Faith Odhiambo, provided a team of advocates to represent the youths in court, leading to their release under Section 35 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).

Odhiambo took to her X handle to share the news, stating that the youths took plea, and the court ordered their release.

"The 48 youth arrested in Isiolo were arraigned in court today, where they were represented by our team of advocates. They took plea, and the court ordered their release. The court discharged them pursuant to section 35 of the CPC," she wrote.

Below are some of the reactions:

@tlseke254:

'Being a youth in Kenya is not a crime. I'm not sure our politicians know or comprehend this."

@KeNothing:

"Asante Sana 🙏 We stand with Isiolo comrades ❤️."

@NziwaNziw97833:

"Apparently, this is supposed to cause deterrence so that whoever thinks of doing this again is fore warned."

@Minjire2024:

"What a waste of the courts time... What nonsense is this? 🤦🏿‍♂️"

The arrests took place amidst heightened security measures in Isiolo following President William Ruto's visit to the region.

The youths were detained during a security crackdown initiated by the county's law enforcement, targeting individuals suspected of drug peddling, illicit alcohol dealing, and general disorderly conduct.

Isiolo County Commissioner Geoffrey Omoding had previously explained that the operation was part of a broader initiative to clamp down on the rising crime rate in the area, which included drug-related offenses and loitering past midnight.

Omoding defended the arrests by telling the media that the crackdown was necessary to maintain law and order, and that it was not a one-time operation.

However, the timing of these arrests, just a day after President William Ruto faced unexpected heckling during his rally in Isiolo, raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about possible political motivations behind the detentions.

The incident of Ruto's heckling unfolded as he was addressing a crowd in Isiolo on the last day of his tour in the North Eastern region on Friday, February 7.

A section of the youth in the audience began to disrupt his speech, chanting slogans against him. This confrontation was unusual for Ruto, who responded by addressing the crowd with a stern warning that they cannot threaten the government of Kenya.

Ruto further said he was aware that drug dealers had sent the youth to come and cause a disturbance at his rally.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke