Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) National Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga was re-arrested on terrorism charges on July 4, 2025, just minutes after being freed on a Ksh50,000 cash bail and Ksh200,000 surety by a Kiambu court.
The dramatic re-arrest, which occurred before Thiga could exit the Kiambu Police Station gate, has sparked outrage among supporters, civil society groups, and political allies, who describe it as a politically motivated attack on dissent.
Thiga, a vocal ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was initially detained on July 1, 2025, at Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass for allegedly organising nationwide protests on June 25, 2025.
Her re-arrest on terrorism-related charges has intensified concerns about Kenya’s shrinking democratic space under President William Ruto’s administration.
The initial arrest followed Thiga’s post on X at 1:22 PM on July 1, stating, “I have been abducted at Kamakis,” prompting Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina to confirm her detention at Ruiru Police Station.
Maina criticised the lack of transparency, noting that officers claimed ignorance of the charges.
On July 4, Magistrate Githu Kibiru ruled there was no evidence linking Thiga to organising protests or interfering with witnesses, ordering her release and barring re-arrest without fresh evidence.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi condemned the re-arrest as “state-sanctioned terrorism”, arguing it violates Article 49 of Kenya’s Constitution, which guarantees the rights of arrested persons to be informed of charges and presented in court within 24 hours.
Muturi and Nick Mwangi of the Kenya Ahadi Party linked Thiga’s detention to a broader pattern of abductions targeting politically active youth, accusing the Ruto government of suppressing dissent to preserve power.
Thiga’s family, including her brother Simon Mwangi, demanded her immediate release, calling the arrest an “unwarranted abduction”.
Thiga, a 32-year-old communications and gender policy consultant who ran for MCA in Juja Constituency in 2022, has been a prominent advocate for youth and women’s leadership (KICTANet).
Her role in mobilising DCP’s youth wing and criticising government policies has made her a target, with observers warning of escalating political repression.
The re-arrest coincides with heightened tensions ahead of planned Saba Saba Day protests on July 7, 2025, demanding accountability.
