DCI seeks further detention of MP, two others over Saba Saba protests

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji talks to his lawyer when he appeared at Kahawa Law courts to face terrorism charges. [Courtesy, Denish Ochieng] The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has applied to continue holding Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, Inooro Radio journalist James Mbochi, and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthi for an additional 14 days to complete investigations. The trio is under probe for alleged terrorism-related activities, including suspected recruitment of goons and financing of violent groups during the July 7 Saba Saba protests. Appearing before Magistrate Richard Koech at Kahawa Law Courts, state prosecutor James Machira argued that releasing the three could jeopardize ongoing investigations. "The suspects were arrested while in possession of materials indicating financial facilitation of individuals involved in criminal activities across Nairobi, Embu, and other parts of Central Kenya," Machira told the court. The prosecution claims that MP Mukunji was found with a diary book marked "KYPA" containing names and amounts paid to various persons connected to an array of criminal activities in Nairobi, Embu, and various parts of the central region between June 25, 2025, and July 7, 2025. "The MP was transferring money to individuals linked to various criminal activities, including but not limited to arson, malicious damage to property, assault on police officers and civilians, and an incident that resulted in the death of one civilian, " the prosecutor told the court. "Of particular concern is one Evans Ngare Njiiru alias Balala, noted in the diary, who is under active investigation for orchestrating violent acts and remains at large," said Chief Inspector Desterio Omukaga in a supporting affidavit. The trio was arrested at Toll area in Juja aboard a black Range Rover with no number plates, a deliberate act, the DCI says was designed to conceal their identities and movement in connection to coordinated criminal activities," in violation of Section 12 of the Traffic Act. "This act was deliberately designed and calculated to deceive and conceal their presence, in connection with facilitating criminal activities aimed at endangering public safety, using violence against persons, causing serious damage to property, destabilizing the normal functioning of economic and social institutions, and instilling fear among members of the public," state cousel Machira said According to the DCI, Mbuthi was seen demanding payment from MP Mukunji, allegedly after participating in unlawful acts during the Saba Saba protests. They further allege that the journalist, James Mbochi, was accompanying the MP in a non-reporting capacity, raising suspicion about his involvement. The state contends the offences under investigation include "Collection and provision of property for commission of terrorist acts" contrary to Section 5(1)(a) and "Conspiracy to commit a terrorist act" contrary to Section 23 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012. "The suspects are persons of influence and are highly likely to interfere with witnesses," Omukaga stated. "We seek 14 more days to finalize crucial parts of our probe, including retrieval of financial records, cyber forensic analysis of mobile phones, and CCTV footage review." But the defence, led by Senior Counsel Kalonzo Musyoka and advocate Ndegwa Njiru, fiercely opposed the application, terming the allegations as "wild, speculative, and politically motivated." "My client is a serving MP, a known public figure with a permanent residence and a fixed place of work. He is not a flight risk," Kalonzo argued. "More importantly, detectives have failed to comply with a court order directing that the accused be escorted to hospital for medical attention. The MP is unwell." Kalonzo claimed the continued detention was not only unjustified but amounted to persecution. "This is not an investigation, it's a fishing expedition," he added. In a brief ruling, Magistrate Koech allowed a request by the MP's lawyers to cross-examine the investigating officer, Chief Inspector Omukaga, regarding his application to extend the detention of the suspects by an additional two weeks.

DCI seeks further detention of MP, two others over Saba Saba protests

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