KIAMBU, Kenya – Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has been released on a cash bail of Sh300,000 or an alternative bond of Sh1 million with a surety, pending investigations into allegations that he financed the recent Saba Saba protests.
Kahawa Law Courts Magistrate Richard Koech granted similar bail terms to Inooro TV journalist James Mbochi and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthia, who were arrested alongside the MP over suspected terrorism-related activities linked to the July 7 demonstrations.
The prosecution, while opposing their release, had sought to detain the trio for an additional 14 days to complete investigations.
However, the court ruled in favour of the defence, allowing their release as the probe continues.
The courtroom saw tense moments as the defence demanded to cross-examine the investigating officer over the alleged link between the suspects and the charges.
Defence lawyer Ndegwa Njiru dismissed the case as a politically motivated ploy, accusing the state of abusing the judicial process.
“This case clearly indicates that they are yet to form an opinion as to the charges they were to prefer,” said Njiru. “If they have not yet formed the opinion of the specific offences to answer, why are we before the Anti-Terror Court?”
Njiru questioned why the matter had been brought before the Anti-Terrorism Court despite no specific charges being filed, suggesting that the move amounted to “intimidation and harassment.”
He also argued that the arrests fell outside the constitutional scope of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which is mandated to prosecute cases that serve the public interest—not silence dissent.
Gitonga Mukunji and his Legal Team sing The National Anthem after the MP for Manyatta was released on a 300,000 ksh Bail.
The arrests follow the deadly Saba Saba protests that swept across the country earlier this week.
Human rights organisations have reported at least 31 deaths and over 100 injuries during clashes between protesters and police.
The unrest, largely driven by youth-led resistance against government policies and the high cost of living, has prompted widespread concern over alleged state repression and extrajudicial actions.
Mukunji’s release marks a significant development in a case that has quickly become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over protest rights, political expression, and the use of anti-terror laws to clamp down on dissent.
