The legal repercussions of Kenya's recent June 25th and Saba Saba protests have reached a critical and alarming new phase. In a move that signals a significant intensification of the government's crackdown on dissent, 36 individuals arrested during these demonstrations have now formally taken plea on terrorism charges at the Kahawa Law Courts. This severe escalation follows the direct approval of these charges by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Igonga, sending a powerful message about the state's resolve to curb protest-related activities.
Among those facing these grave accusations are notable figures, including political allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The group of 36 comprises ten individuals from Matuu in Machakos, twenty-four from Kikuyu, and two from Kiambu, specifically naming Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru, alias Kawanjiru, and Serah Wanjiku Thiga as associates of the former Deputy President. The DPP alleges that these accused individuals were involved in what has been described as "coordinated acts of domestic terrorism," primarily citing the destruction of public property in Kikuyu, including the law courts, probation office, sub-county offices, and the chief’s office. Similar destruction of Matuu Police Station and police vehicles on June 25th has also been cited.
The application of terrorism charges to protest-related incidents represents a significant shift in the government's approach, raising concerns among human rights advocates about the potential criminalization of dissent. It underscores a firm stance against any actions perceived as undermining public order or state infrastructure during demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the unfolding legal drama has presented contrasting outcomes for other prominent individuals caught in the dragnet. In a notable development, Manyatta MP John Mukunji has been released on bail. Senior Magistrate Kipkemoi Koech specifically overruled a police application to detain Mukunji and two co-accused individuals for an additional 14 days, instead granting each a substantial bail of Ksh.300,000. This judicial decision, despite the police's request for prolonged custody, offers a glimmer of relief for some of those entangled in the post-protest legal quagmire.
However, the fate of TikToker and businessman Godfrey Kakan Maiyo remains sharply different. Arrested by DCI officers on Wednesday night, Maiyo continues to be held in custody at Muthaiga Police Station. Authorities allege that he incited violence against police officers and their families in a now-viral video. In the contentious video cited by investigators, Kakan Maiyo is quoted saying, “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.” While authorities view this as incitement, his family vehemently disputes the claims, demanding his immediate release and stating they have not been informed of any formal charges.
