Thiga released on bail as court rejects state bid to detain her over protests

Wanjiku Thiga, National Youth Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).[Edward Kiplimo, The Standard]

Democratic Congress Party (DCP) youth leader Wanjiku Thiga has been freed on bail days after her arrest at Kamakis, Ruiru in Kiambu over the Gen Z protests.

Kiambu Magistrate Gethi Kibiru on Friday, July 4, released Thiga on a cash bail of Sh50,000 and a Sh200,000 surety after rejecting a prosecution request to detain her for 21 more days, ruling there was no evidence to justify further custody.

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, who led a team of young lawyers representing Thiga, described the ruling as a defence of young people against government intimidation.

"The court has declined because it has given a very well detailed ruling that there was no evidence adduced that any accused person who is now held in the police stations will interfere with witnesses," noted Njeri.

She observed that the prosecution had not listed witnesses or shown proof of active investigations, questioning why the state needed more time when it already has access to the suspects' digital data and movement records.

"There are no witnesses that are listed. There is no evidence that was presented to show that they are carrying any investigations. And if anything, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has access to our phones," explained Njeri.

Thiga's arrest came as part of a government crackdown on individuals accused of organising or funding the Gen Z protests, which have sparked public anger over police force and alleged intimidation of demonstrators.

Njeri criticised the state for using surveillance and partnering with mobile service providers to track young people with dissenting views.

"We know that they are tracking all of us Kenyans who have dissenting opinions to the government. So they are aware of where the accused persons were. They are aware of the transactions. We know that Safaricom is aiding and abetting this government to track young people. So if there are any investigations they are claiming to want to conclude within 21 days, they already know," observed Njeri.

She thanked the court for upholding justice and praised the young lawyers who defended Thiga, pledging continued support for youth resisting government repression.

"We say that as young leaders and lawyers, we will stand for justice and we will defend the young people of this nation to the very end to ensure that this oppressive regime does not curtail their dreams," added Njeri.