The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has formally filed terrorism charges against 37 individuals, including known allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following violent incidents that occurred in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, and Matuu, Machakos County, on June 25, 2025.
The two were arraigned at Kahawa Law Courts earlier today.
The suspects were arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday, with the prosecution accusing 25 of them of engaging in acts of terrorism in Kikuyu that led to the destruction of multiple government offices. Facilities affected include the Kikuyu Law Courts, Probation Office, Sub-County Offices, Chief’s Office, Registrar of Persons, Education and Lands offices, the Dagoretti Police Post, and the office of the Kikuyu Deputy County Commissioner.
The accused also face additional charges of arson and, in the alternative, malicious damage to public property.
Two of those charged — Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru, alias Kawanjiru, and Serah Wanjiku Thiga — are reportedly close political operatives aligned with the DP’s faction and had earlier appeared before the Ruiru Law Courts. The DPP clarified that at the time, no formal charges had been filed against them, and only a miscellaneous application for custodial orders had been made. After further review, terrorism charges were approved.
In a separate count, 10 other individuals from Matuu are accused of launching an attack on the Matuu Police Station, damaging government vehicles and assaulting officers on duty.
The prosecution stated that the charges were arrived at independently after reviewing investigative files, and argued that the court had jurisdiction and all charge sheets were properly filed.
“These are not demonstrators,” the prosecution told the court. “These are individuals alleged to have taken advantage of unrest to commit calculated acts of terror and destruction.”
In response, the suspects, through their lawyers, filed an application to bar the DPP from pursuing terrorism charges, terming them excessive and politically motivated. The defense argued that most of the accused were peaceful demonstrators or innocent bystanders.
Hon. Gideon Kiaga directed that the accused remain in custody until July 10, 2025, when the court will deliver a ruling on the application seeking to stop the DPP from proceeding with the charges.
The case continues to generate significant political interest, especially with the involvement of figures believed to be aligned with Deputy President Gachagua, raising questions about whether the crackdown is purely legal or also politically strategic.
