DPP approves terrorism charges against 37 individuals for allegedly damaging State property during Gen Z protests
The suspects also face a separate charge of arson, with an alternative charge of malicious damage to property
Thirty seven persons suspected of attacking and destroying government property in Kikuyu and Matuu during the June 25 Gen Z protests have been charged with corruption.
In a statement, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga confirmed that he had approved terrorism charges against the individuals who were subsequently arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts.
Among those arraigned are 25 individuals alleged to have committed a terrorist act on June 25 between 12 pm and 11 pm in the Kikuyu.
The act resulted in damage to government facilities, including Kikuyu Probation Offices, Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu Sub-County Offices, Kikuyu Chief’s Office, the Office of the Registrar of Persons, Kikuyu Sub-County Education Office, the Sub-County Accountant’s Office, Registrar of Lands Office, Dagoretti Police Post and the Kikuyu Deputy County Commissioner’s Office.
The suspects also face a separate charge of arson, with an alternative charge of malicious damage to property.
They were arraigned alongside two other individuals, Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru, alias Kawanjiru, and Serah Wanjiku Thiga, who face similar charges.
The DPP further approved terrorism charges against 10 other individuals arrested in Matuu, Machakos County.
They are alleged to have committed a terrorist act on June 25 at Matuu Police Station leading to the destruction of government property, including police vehicles, and the assault of officers on duty.
The prosecution confirmed to the court that the charges were instituted after perusal of the investigation files and independently made the decision to charge all 37 suspects with committing terrorist acts under Section of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The prosecution urged the court to find that the suspects were lawfully presented before the court and duly served with the charge sheets.
The prosecution further argued that the charges are properly before the court, the charge sheets are not defective, and the accused should proceed to take plea.
In response to claims that two individuals were allegedly kidnapped after being granted bail at Ruiru Law Courts, the DPP clarified that the individuals in question had not been charged at the time.
A miscellaneous application had been filed seeking custodial orders for Peter and Serah, and following a review of the file, the decision was made to charge them.
The prosecution reiterated that there is no malice in prosecuting the suspects and that the charges are not targeted at demonstrators but at individuals who allegedly chose to engage in acts of terrorism and destruction.
This followed an application by the suspects through their counsel seeking the court to bar the DPP from charging them with terrorist charges.
Kahawa Magistrate Gideon Kiage directed that the suspects remain in custody until July 10 when the court will deliver a ruling on the application by the suspects seeking to bar the DPP from charging them with terrorist charges.
