DPP Renson Igonga.
By IP Reporter.
NAIROBI, Kenya — Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has defended the government’s decision to charge some recent anti-government protesters under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, citing what he called “coordinated acts of violence” aimed at crippling state institutions.
In a press statement released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Ingonga acknowledged national concern over the legal actions that followed widespread demonstrations between June 25 and July 7, 2025, but insisted that the charges were grounded in law and national security interests—not an attempt to silence dissent.
“The ODPP upholds the vital role of a free press and a vibrant civil society,” the statement reads in part.
“However, the charges should be understood within the framework of established legal thresholds and national security imperatives rather than interpreted as efforts to suppress legitimate political expression.”
The statement further claims that preliminary investigations showed attacks on police stations, government offices, and personnel were not spontaneous, but “calculated and coordinated acts of violence” that aimed to “cripple essential government operations, instill fear, and erode public trust in democratic institutions.”
Citing the June 26 inspection of the torched Kikuyu Law Courts, the ODPP referenced Chief Justice Martha Koome’s remarks describing the incident “not merely as an act perpetrated by criminal elements but an act of terrorism.”
Ingonga emphasized that under Sections 2 and 4 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, such acts—when aimed at disrupting essential services or intimidating the public—qualify as terrorism.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who accuse the state of criminalizing legitimate protest and deploying excessive legal force to quell public dissent.
“This is a dangerous precedent,” said NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua. “You cannot brand young people protesting for their future as terrorists. That is a misuse of the law and a betrayal of democratic values.”
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka echoed the sentiment, warning that invoking anti-terror laws against protesters could erode civil liberties and fuel more unrest. “Terrorism charges should not be used as a political tool.
These young people are voicing real grievances—cost of living, poor governance, joblessness—not plotting to destroy the country,” he said.
The Law Society of Kenya has also voiced concern, urging judicial review of the charges to ensure they meet the strict criteria required under the Terrorism Act.
Human rights watchdogs have signaled possible legal action against the ODPP over what they term an “overreach” of prosecutorial power.
As the public discourse deepens, the ODPP maintains that it will pursue all individuals responsible for acts of violence “without fear or favor,” even as pressure mounts for the government to reassess its approach to managing civil unrest.
Ends.
