Court Releases Gachagua Party Youth Leaders Amid Public Outcry
Two youth leaders from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga, were released on Wednesday, July 16, after being granted bail of Ksh50,000 each by the Kahawa Law Courts.
The decision was made by Magistrate Patrick Kiage, who rejected an application from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking to detain the two further. The magistrate ruled that there was not enough evidence to justify their continued detention.
Following the court ruling, DCP Party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua shared a message of appreciation on social media. In a statement, he thanked all the lawyers who stood with the two youth leaders during their legal battle.
“The DCP Party would like to sincerely thank all our lawyers who worked tirelessly to ensure justice was delivered,” Gachagua wrote in a celebratory tweet.
KaWanjiru and Thiga were among 37 people arrested during the recent Gen Z-led protests that turned violent, with reports of property damage and attacks on public institutions.
Authorities accused the two of being key organizers of coordinated attacks on government facilities, including the Kikuyu Law Courts, Sub-County Administration Offices, and the Dagoretti Police Post.
After their arrest, the DPP approved serious charges against them under Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The charges claimed that their actions aimed to cause fear among the public and disrupt government operations — actions that qualify as terrorism under Kenyan law.
Their arrests sparked widespread concern among the public, especially among members and supporters of the DCP party. Many questioned whether the government was using harsh laws unfairly to silence dissent.
Gachagua was vocal in criticizing the arrests and strongly opposed the use of terrorism laws to target protesters. He argued that the government was misusing legal provisions to intimidate and silence political opponents and young people demanding change.
Wanjiku Thiga was reportedly arrested on July 1 at Kamakis, Ruiru. Her detention was later confirmed by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, who condemned the arrest.
She raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accused law enforcement of targeting youth leaders because of their political affiliations.
KaWanjiru’s arrest was even more disturbing. He was taken from his home in what his family described as a chaotic operation.
According to witnesses, the police stormed his house, fired live ammunition, and destroyed property during the arrest. His family was left terrified and confused as they had no information about his whereabouts for nearly two days.
The National Police Service later confirmed that KaWanjiru was in their custody. He and Thiga were eventually brought before the Kahawa Law Courts, where they faced terrorism and arson charges alongside other protesters.
The case has drawn national attention and ignited debates about the government’s response to the youth-led protests. Many Kenyans and political leaders believe that the arrests were politically motivated and intended to silence outspoken youth voices.
The ruling to release the two has been seen as a small victory for justice and the protection of democratic rights in Kenya.
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