BY TONY MUSISI
An Eldoret-based human rights activist, Benson Juma Akumu, has been released on a cash bail of Sh30,000 after facing two counts of trafficking in narcotic drugs and an alternative charge of resisting arrest.
Eldoret-based human rights activist, Benson Juma Akumu granted Akumu a bond of Sh80,000 or an alternative cash bail of Sh30,000, allowing him to secure his release after spending time in remand.
The magistrate reviewed the bond terms of Sh1.5 million or cash bail of Sh800,000 imposed on Akumu by Resident Magistrate Naima Chelagat Kirui last week when he appeared before her court for plea-taking.
“I have considered submissions by both sides and come to the conclusion that the Sh1.5 million bond and Sh800,000 cash bail granted to the accused person were unreasonable,” Areri ruled.
Akumu had been escorted to Eldoret Remand Prison after failing to raise the bond or cash bail initially imposed by the court.
The human rights defender appeared before the Resident Magistrate’s Court, where he denied trafficking 56 rolls of cannabis valued at Sh2,800, which the prosecution alleged were not in medicinal preparation form.
According to court documents, the alleged offence occurred on October 18, 2026, at Eldoret Central Police Station in Uasin Gishu County.
In the second count, Akumu was accused of trafficking 52 grammes of heroin, allegedly packaged in straw-like tubes and valued at Sh15,629.
He denied both charges.
Akumu also faced an alternative charge of resisting arrest, contrary to the law, by allegedly grabbing the station grills to prevent Police Constables Collins Rono and Walter Tekei from carrying out their lawful duties.
The charge sheet states that the alleged offence occurred on the same date and at the same police station.
Police detectives arrested Akumu at the station, where he had reportedly gone to seek the release of a suspect being held over various criminal offences.
While pleading for reasonable bond or cash bail terms, Akumu told the court that he had rushed to the police station after receiving a distress call from a detainee seeking his assistance in his capacity as a human rights defender.
During the proceedings, the court heard that two officers attached to Eldoret Central Police Station searched Akumu upon his arrival and allegedly recovered the substances before booking him into the police cells.
The case will be mentioned on November 10, 2026.
