Gachagua’s allies freed on Sh50,000 cash bail

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) youth leaders, Peter “KaWanjiru” Kinyanjui and Wanjiku Thiga, have been released on a Sh50,000 by a Kahawa court.

DCP leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua confirmed their release, saying two were granted bail after a magistrate at the Kahawa Law Courts ruled that there was insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

“DCP youth leaders Peter KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 each after the Kahawa Law Courts Magistrate ruled that there was no evidence to warrant further detention,” Gachagua stated.

While discharging them, Magistrate Gideon Kiage gave them the alternative of paying a bond of Sh200,000 and one contact person.

“In the present case, the accused persons have been charged with an offence under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. That mere fact, however, in the absence of any other ground in support thereto, does not and cannot suffice to upset the presumption of innocence as guaranteed under the Constitution,” Kiage said.

“To hold otherwise would be tantamount to affirming that all that is needed for the denial of bail is for the prosecution to present serious-sounding charges with stiff penalties,” he added.

Gachagua expressed gratitude to the legal team that worked to secure the youth leaders’ release.

“DCP Party would like to take this opportunity to thank all our lawyers who took part in ensuring justice is served,” he added.

Kinyanjui and Thiga were arrested and charged in connection with the June 25 protests that saw several government facilities, including the Kiambu and Kikuyu law courts, set ablaze.

Kinyanjui was granted bail by Ruiru Law Courts, but moments after his release, anti-terror police dramatically re-arrested him.

Last Tuesday, the Director of Public Prosecutions formally approved terrorism and arson charges against Kinyanjui and 36 others.

They were accused of orchestrating the torching of government facilities in Kiambu County during the protests.

On the other hand, Wanjiku was also arrested on suspicion of organizing or participating in the June 25 protests.

She appeared before the Kiambu Law Courts and was released on a Ksh50,000 cash bail with a Sh200,000 surety.

However, like Kinyanjui, she was re-arrested by anti-terror police shortly after being freed.

The DPP later confirmed terrorism and arson charges against her as well, and she was arraigned alongside Kinyanjui.

Efforts to continue holding them further were rejected by Kiage who said the police had between 13 and 22 days to identify them and conduct background checks, adding there were not compelling reasons to detain them.