Court detains three activists linked to mobilising protests

A youth during Gen Z anniversary protest on Kisii-Migori highway, on June 25, 2025. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Three activists accused of inciting violence and mobilising looters during last Wednesday's protests will remain in custody following orders by a Kibera court.

Kibera Principal Magistrate Mercy Khahuya directed that John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali, and Francis Mutunge Mwangi alias Chebukati be remanded as she prepares to rule on an application by the State seeking to detain them for an additional 21 days.

"The respondents (Mulingwa, Amiani, and Mutunge) be detained at Muthaiga Police Station until July 2, 2025, when I will give directions on bail and the DPP's application," Khahuya ruled.

The decision followed an application filed by Inspector of Police George Karanja, attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Nairobi Central, who is leading investigations into the trio's alleged involvement in the violent aftermath of the Gen Z protests.

According to Karanja's affidavit, the three are under investigation for arson, stealing, housebreaking, burglary, and malicious damage to property, all under various provisions of the Penal Code.

"The acts attributed to the respondents resulted in massive destruction of property, unlawful entry into buildings, looting of business premises and violent attacks on police stations , thereby compromising public safety and national security," read the affidavit.

The court heard that the three were arrested on the night of June 27 aboard a Mombasa-bound bus.