2 Gachagua Allies Freed

The court was set to decide whether to release 36 protesters on bail, along with the duo, who were arrested over their alleged roles in recent demonstrations.

2 Gachagua Allies Freed
Collage of Peter Kawanjiru (left) and Serah Wanjiku Thiga (right). /VIRAL TEA KE

Democratic Change Party (DCP) youth leaders James KaWanjiru and Serah Wanjiku Thiga have been freed on a cash bail of Ksh 50,000 each. 

Their release on Wednesday, July 16, came after a Magistrate at the Kahawa Law Courts found that there was insufficient evidence to warrant keeping them in custody any longer.

The court was set to decide whether to release 36 protesters on bail, along with the duo, who were arrested over their alleged roles in recent demonstrations.

The group was arraigned last week at the Kahawa Law Courts, facing terrorism-related accusations after police claimed they were involved in what authorities labelled as illegal protests.

Protesters arrested during Saba Saba as well as DCP youth leaders, James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga at Kahawa Law Courts. /X

"DCP youth leaders James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga were released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each after the Kahawa Law Courts Magistrate ruled that there was no evidence to warrant further detention," stated former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on his X account.

Adding "DCP Party would like to take this opportunity to thank all our lawyers who took part in ensuring justice is served."

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina also confirmed their release, stating on X: "We have managed to have Wanjiku Thiga, Peter Kawanjiru and 40 other Gen-Zs admitted to cash bail of Ksh 50,000. May the good Lord protect our nation and help us deal with impunity."

In court, the prosecution pushed back against granting bail, arguing that investigations were still underway and releasing the suspects could pose a risk to public safety.

On the other hand, the defence maintained that the accused were simply peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate, with no ties to any criminal acts.

Lawyers representing Thiga, Kawanjiru, and the other protesters urged the court to approve bail under fair conditions, insisting that keeping them in custody violated their constitutional rights, including their freedoms of movement and fair trial.

This development comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved terrorism charges against Kawanjiru and Thiga, who were accused of causing extensive damage to government offices in Kikuyu.

The charges brought to court by the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and approved by the DPP claimed that the two suspects damaged not just the law courts but also other nearby government facilities.

The collage of Rigathi Gachagua's new party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). /VIRAL TEA KE