A vocal Eldoret-based human rights activist, Juma Akumu, was on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, presented in court and charged with alleged possession of illegal drugs.
The crime is alleged to have happened within Eldoret Police Station on October 18, 2026. According to a charge sheet seen by Uasin Gishu News, Akumu was allegedly found with 56 rolls of cannabis with a street value of Ksh 2,800.
The activist is also alleged to have been found in possession of 52 grams of heroin with a street value of Ksh 15,600.
Appearing before Eldoret Resident Magistrate Chelagat Kirui, Akumu denied both counts and pleaded with the court to release him on a lenient bond or cash bail.
He argued that he was not a flight risk, as argued by the prosecution and that where he lives is well known. The activist further told the court that charges against him were meant to silence him from speaking out against police injustice.
Juma Akumu speaks on charges against him
“Your Honour, charges against me are framed just to silence me from fighting for the rights of victims of police injustice,” he said while noting that there has been bad blood between him and the Officer Commanding Eldoret Police Station (OCS) James Lenaso.
“Kindly grant me a reasonable cash bail or bond so that I don’t spend another night at the police cell due to threats to my life from inmates who have been incited by the OCS,” he added.
Akumu was reportedly found in possession of the alleged illegal drugs when he went to Eldoret Police Station to secure release of citizens who had been arrested on various criminal offences.
The court ordered that he be released on a Ksh 1.1 million bond or Ksh 800,000 cash bail. The matter will be mentioned on November 5, 2026, for further directions.
