NAIROBI – Thirty-seven people were arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts on Tuesday after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) formally filed terrorism charges linked to coordinated attacks on government facilities in Kikuyu and Matuu on June 25.
The DPP confirmed that 25 of the suspects are accused of executing a terrorist act in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, between noon and 11:00 p.m. The attack reportedly targeted multiple public offices, resulting in widespread damage to property.
According to the DPP’s statement, the affected facilities include the Kikuyu Law Courts, Probation Office, Sub-County Education Office, Chief’s Office, Registrar of Persons Office, Lands Office, and the Dagoretti Police Post. Damage was also reported at the offices of the Sub-County Accountant and the Kikuyu Deputy County Commissioner.
The 25 suspects are also facing an additional charge of arson, with an alternative charge of malicious damage to property.
Among those arraigned were Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru, also known as Kawanjiru, and Serah Wanjiku Thiga, who face the same terrorism-related charges.
Separately, 10 individuals arrested in Matuu, Machakos County, are accused of storming the Matuu Police Station on the same day. The suspects allegedly destroyed government vehicles and assaulted officers on duty.
The DPP said the decision to charge all 37 individuals was made after reviewing investigation files and independently assessing the evidence. The prosecution told the court that the suspects had been lawfully brought before the court and served with formal charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
“The charges are properly before the court, the charge sheets are not defective, and the accused persons should proceed to take plea,” prosecutors argued.
Defense attorneys for the accused sought to block the DPP from proceeding with terrorism charges, claiming some individuals had earlier been granted bail and were later allegedly abducted.
The DPP responded that the individuals mentioned Peter and Serah had not yet been charged when the bail was granted. A separate application had been filed at the time for custodial orders, and a decision to charge them was later reached following a file review.
“There is no malice in prosecuting the suspects,” the DPP’s office stated. “These charges are not aimed at demonstrators but at those who deliberately engaged in acts of terrorism and destruction.”
Magistrate Gideon Kiaga ordered that the suspects remain in custody until July 10, when the court will rule on the defense application to bar the DPP from proceeding with the terrorism charges.
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