Man seen wielding panga in London estate protests faces four charges, granted bail

Paul Oriti alias Hassan Mtimkavu, man seen brandishing a panga during the London protests has been presented in court following his apprehension a week ago.

According to court documents, Hassan is facing four charges, the first one being creating disturbance in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace and participating in an unlawful demonstration.

Additionally, he is being charged with being armed in a public place and willingly obstructing police officers in the execution of their duties.

Hassan denied the charges, in his bail and bond ruling. Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion granted him a bail of Sh. 50,000 or an alternative bond of Sh100,000.

Hassan went viral during the protests that erupted in London estate on June 9, after the fatal shooting of Daniel Nderitu in the hands of police officers, making him an internet sensation and taking various social media platforms by storm.

According to the residents, the police from Nakuru Central police station had gone to the area to collect bribes from bhang peddlers in the area, something that has been common.

In the melee, Nderitu was shot and pronounced dead on arrival at the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital.

This led to a two-day protest that paralyzed transport along the Nakuru- Kabarak road leaving motorists looking for alternative routes.

On June 13, Mtaa Wangu secured a video of Hassan on a hospital bed at the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital with one of his hands cuffed to the bed.

 This sparked mixed reactions from netizens who wanted to know how he ended up there.

According to the police, Hassan had complained of chest pains after he was booked at the Kaptembwa Police station. He was then taken to the hospital and was discharged on June 13. 

However, hospital records indicated that Hassan had suffered soft tissue injuries all over his body.

The hearing date has been set for July 1.