Embu — Fourteen youths were Monday arraigned before Embu Senior Principal Magistrate court charged with attempting to disrupt a political rally addressed by Cord presidential contender Raila Odinga by heckling and throwing stones.

The accused, who included two minors, denied the charges before Paul Biwott and were released on a Sh200,000 bond with surety in similar amount or a Sh100,000 cash bail.

They were charged that on February 15 this year, together with others who are still at large, they interfered with the free political campaigning at the rally organized by the Cord Alliance by using threat of force and violence by heckling and throwing stones at those in attendance.

Their lawyer Joe Kathungu urged the court to supply the defence with witness statements and any documents the prosecution would be relying on during the case.

Chief inspector Mulamula Imbwaga, prosecuting, said they had recorded statements from police officers who witnessed the said incident but were waiting for unnamed civilians to record theirs.

Biwott said the case which is linked to the electoral process needed to be heard speedily and slated the hearing for Thursday 21.

He also directed that the two minors be taken to hospital for verification of their age and be remanded at Runyenjes police station if it was established that they are minors.