PUBLICAI Index: AFR 32/20/98

22 May 1998

Further information on UA 158/98 (AFR 32/17/98, 20 May 1998) - Prisoner of conscience / Possible prisoner of conscience

KENYANjuguna Mutahi, human rights activist working for the

Kenyan Human Rights Commission (KHRC)

Wahome Karengo, journalist

On 22 May 1998 Njuguna Mutahi and Wahome Karengo, charged with theft at a court hearing on 19 May, were released on bail for an amount of 50,000 Kenyan shillings (around £500) with a surety of a further 50,000 Kenyan shillings.

Their trial is due to take place on 22 July. If convicted, Amnesty International would consider Njuguna Mutahi to be a prisoner of conscience and Wahome Karengo to be a possible prisoner of conscience.

Many thanks to all who sent appeals on behalf of Njuguna Mutahi and Wahome Karengo which may have contributed to their being released on bail.

PARTICIPANTS IN THIS ACTION MAY SEND FURTHER LETTERS:

- welcoming the release of both Njuguna Mutahi and Wahome Karengo on bail;

- asking that the spurious charges brought against Njuguna Mutahi be immediately dropped;

- asking for further information regarding the reason for the arrest of Wahome Karengo.

APPEALS TO:

President Daniel arap Moi

Office of the President

PO Box 30501, Nairobi, Kenya

Faxes:+ 254 2 337340 (if no tone, please try later)

Salutation:Your Excellency

Mr Amos Wako

Attorney General

PO Box 40112

Nairobi, Kenya

Faxes:+ 254 2 211082

Salutation:Dear Attorney General

COPIES TO:

Kenya Human Rights Commission

PO Box 55235

Nairobi

Kenya

Faxes:+ 254 2 574997

and to diplomatic representatives of Kenya accredited to your country.