Why are protesters being charged with terrorism?
Thirty-six individuals arrested in connection with the June 25 and Saba Saba demonstrations have now officially taken plea on terrorism-related charges. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga approved the charges, marking a significant escalation in the government’s response to nationwide protests.
The accused, including ten from Matuu in Machakos, 24 from Kikuyu, and two from Kiambu, appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts. Among them are close political allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua: Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru, known as Kawanjiru, and Serah Wanjiku Thiga. Prosecutors allege the group was behind the destruction of public infrastructure in Kikuyu, targeting government buildings such as law courts, the chief’s office, sub-county offices, and a probation office.
The government claims these were not random acts of vandalism but part of a coordinated campaign now labeled as domestic terrorism.
What’s the status of MP John Mukunji and others?
In a separate development, Manyatta MP John Mukunji, who was arrested during the same protests, has been released on a cash bail of Ksh.300,000. Senior Magistrate Kipkemoi Koech dismissed a police request to detain Mukunji and two others for an additional 14 days, allowing them temporary freedom as the legal process continues.
Meanwhile, businessman and TikToker Godfrey Kakan Maiyo remains detained at Muthaiga Police Station after his arrest by DCI officers. Authorities claim he incited violence against police in a viral video.
“Your families will cry the same tears that these families cry. No amount of abduction, no amount of arrests, no amount of killings is going to make Kenyans go silent,” said Kakan Maiyo in the clip cited by investigators.
Despite his continued detention, his family says he hasn’t been formally charged. “We’ve spoken. He told me he’s okay, he hasn’t been harmed. But this is a message to the government, the youth must be heard,” said his uncle, Peter Malande. His cousin, Davis Silali, added, “It doesn’t mean that when the youth speak, they are against the government. This is what we’re going through.”
Kakan is expected to be arraigned at Kahawa Law Courts as concern grows over the widening crackdown on activists and critics of the state.
By Risper Akinyi