Olympian Bilali freed on bail in Gen Z demo case
Robert Otiti (left) and Suleiman Bilali at the Milimani Law Courts on June 26, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Bilali and Ofiti were accused of mobilising demonstrators with intention of invading State House on June 25.
- The two suspects are alleged to have circulated messages on June 24, 2025, which went viral on social media.
Twice African Games light fly weight champion and Olympian Suleiman Wanjau Bilali, who was arrested for allegedly organising demonstrations in Nairobi on Wednesday, has been freed on bail.
A Milimani court on Friday directed Bilali and football coach Robert Otiti to deposit a cash bail of Sh20,000 each.
This was after the court declined an application by the police to detain the two suspects for 10 days, as they conclude the investigations into the matter.
The police charge that the two were among individuals who had planned to infiltrate demonstrations organised by Gen Zs, to steal from shops, assault innocent people and promote political ideologies that undermine the security and stability of the country.
It was further claimed that the two mobilized the youths to storm State House.
"As a country we must be alive of our humanity and social justice," said Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego.
She said the police must work to restore public confidence, especially following the death of Albert Ojwang in police cells.
Alego noted that defence lawyers Abner Mango, John Maina and Babu Owino, who is also Embakasi East MP, had submitted that the police can no longer be trusted following the death of Ojwang in their custody.
She fixed the case for mention July 8, 2025 for further directions.
Bilali and Ofiti were accused of mobilising demonstrators with intention of invading State House on June 25.
The Olympian trains young boxers at Muthurwa and Makongeni halls while Otiti is a football coach.
The two suspects are alleged to have circulated messages on June 24, 2025, which went viral on social media, inviting members of the public to converge in Nairobi and match to State House, a national security asset.
The court was told that the message was circulated through the X and other social media posts.
The investigating officer said the invite to invade the State House was aimed at causing violence and serious breach of the law.
"Police need time to subject the phones of the two suspects to forensic analysis and record statements from intended witnesses," said Mr Samuel Itegi, the investigating officer.
Mr Itegi said the criminal activities were well planned and funded by a network of suspects including the two.
He said property from shops were looted, police officers injured and several Kenyans lost their lives.
Mango and Owino opposed the application saying the two were respected and prominent citizens who have brought honor and fame to this country through sports.
"Otiti a football coach while Bilali is a renowned Olympian and boxing coach," said Mango.