KIAMBU, Kenya – Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) National Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga was dramatically re-arrested on Thursday, barely moments after being released on bail by a Kiambu court—an incident that has triggered widespread condemnation and fresh fears over political repression in Kenya.
Thiga, 32, was apprehended again at the gate of Kiambu Police Station, where she had just posted a Sh50,000 cash bail and a Sh200,000 surety as ordered by Magistrate Githu Kibiru.
Her latest arrest, this time on terrorism-related charges, has been labelled by critics as “state intimidation dressed as law enforcement.”
The youth leader and vocal ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had initially been arrested on July 1 at Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass for allegedly organising the June 25 anti-government protests led by Kenya’s Gen Z movement.
Her tweet that day—“I have been abducted at Kamakis”—sparked public concern and prompted Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina to confirm her detention at Ruiru Police Station.
“We were told officers didn’t know what charges she faced. That in itself is a violation,” Maina said.
During her court appearance on July 4, Magistrate Kibiru ordered Thiga’s immediate release, ruling that there was no evidence linking her to organising illegal protests or obstructing investigations.
He further barred police from re-arresting her without presenting fresh evidence—a directive that appears to have been ignored just minutes later.
Legal, Political Backlash
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi decried the re-arrest as “state-sanctioned terrorism,” stating it directly contravenes Article 49 of the Constitution, which protects arrested individuals’ rights, including to be promptly informed of charges and arraigned within 24 hours.
“The government is crossing a dangerous line. What we are seeing is lawlessness weaponised against political dissent,” said Muturi.
Nick Mwangi, party leader of Kenya Ahadi, also condemned the move, linking it to a broader clampdown on politically active youth and Gen Z leaders.
“Thiga’s only crime is mobilisation and criticism. This is a deliberate tactic to silence youthful voices,” he said.
Thiga’s family called the arrest “a daylight abduction,” with her brother Simon Mwangi urging the Inspector General of Police to intervene. “Our sister is being punished for standing up. This is not justice—it’s persecution.”
A Voice Targeted
Thiga is a communications and gender policy expert and a former Juja MCA candidate.
She currently leads the DCP’s youth mobilization strategy and has been at the forefront of advocacy for women and youth leadership through platforms like KICTANet.
Observers say her rising political profile and vocal stance against President Ruto’s administration have placed her in the government’s crosshairs—especially as youth-led protests grow in frequency and intensity.
Her re-arrest comes just three days before the planned Saba Saba Day demonstrations on July 7, which are expected to draw large crowds calling for political accountability, reforms, and justice for victims of police brutality during previous protests.
Growing Concern Over Shrinking Democratic Space
The incident adds to a growing list of controversial detentions, alleged abductions, and intimidation tactics targeting activists and political dissenters.
Civil society organisations have raised the alarm over Kenya’s deteriorating democratic credentials under the current administration, with human rights watchdogs warning of “authoritarian creep” in how dissent is handled.
As of Friday evening, the police had not publicly disclosed the specific terrorism charges facing Thiga, nor explained why her re-arrest defied the court’s protective orders.
“This isn’t just about Wanjiku Thiga,” said Maina. “It’s about whether Kenya is still a democracy where the law is respected—or if we’ve slipped into something far more dangerous.”
