Robert Otiti (left) and Suleiman Bilali at the Milimani law courts on June 26, 2025. They are accused of mobolising members of the public, through social media, to storm State House, Nairobi on June 25, 2025.
Kenyan boxer and Olympian Suleiman Wanjau Bilali appeared in court on Thursday for allegedly inciting demonstrators to invade State House on June 25.
Mr Bilali, who coaches young boxers at the Muthurwa and Makongeni sports centres, appeared in court alongside Mr Robert Otiti Elwak, a football coach. The two are accused of inciting youth during Wednesday's demonstrations.
The police further alleged that the two were among individuals who had planned to infiltrate the Gen Z-led protests to loot shops, assault innocent people, and promote political ideologies that threaten national security and stability.
The investigating officer sought the court’s permission to detain Bilali and Otiti for 10 days to allow the police to conclude their investigations.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego heard that, on June 24, 2025, the suspects had circulated messages on social media inviting the public to converge in Nairobi and march to State House, a protected national security asset.
The court heard that the messages had been distributed via X (formerly Twitter) and other social media platforms.
According to the investigating officer, this invitation was intended to incite violence and cause a serious breach of the law.
“Police need time to subject the suspects’ phones to forensic analysis and record statements from intended witnesses,” said Mr Samuel Itegi, the investigating officer.
Mr Itegi added that the criminal activities were well organised and funded by a network of individuals, including the two suspects.
He said that property had been looted from shops, that police officers had been injured, and that several Kenyans had lost their lives during the chaos.
Defence lawyers Abner Mango and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino opposed the application, arguing that the two suspects are prominent and respected citizens who have brought honour and recognition to the country through sport.
“Otiti is a former football coach while Bilali is a renowned Olympian and boxing coach," said Mr Mango.
