Peter Kawanjiru…….Photo/Courtesy.
By IP reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has vowed to proceed with Saba Saba protests this weekend, despite a wave of arrests targeting its youth leaders.
On Friday, chaos erupted outside the Ruiru Law Courts when Peter Kawanjiru, a vocal DCP youth leader and close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, was re-arrested by Anti-Terrorism Police Unit officers moments after securing his release on bond.
Crowds that had gathered to celebrate his freedom were sent fleeing after officers fired warning shots into the air and bundled Kawanjiru into a white van.
His mother, Beatrice Wanjiru, tried to intervene but was shoved aside as police cleared the area.
The Judicial Service Commission later condemned the incident, calling the re-arrest “an affront to the dignity of the courts.”
The commission criticized the use of firearms and force within court premises, warning that such actions erode public trust in the justice system.
Kawanjiru had just been granted bond of KSh 500,000 with two sureties after he was charged over his alleged involvement in the burning of the Kiambu Law Courts on June 25 during anti-government protests led by Gen Z.
His initial arrest took place on June 30, during a late-night raid at his family home in Limuru.
According to relatives, police fired shots to force entry before detaining him.
The State has yet to publicly explain the basis of his re-arrest.
However, DCP officials believe it is part of a wider crackdown meant to intimidate young voices critical of government excesses.
Despite growing concerns, the party maintains that it will not be silenced. The Saba Saba protests, it says, will go on.
Ends.
