Thirty-six youths from Kirinyaga County have been formally charged in court over their alleged participation in anti-government protests held on June 25 a date increasingly associated with national demonstrations against state policies.
Eleven of the accused appeared at the Gichugu Law Courts before Senior Principal Magistrate Kemuma Manyura. They faced two counts, including malicious damage to property, contrary to Section 339(1) of the Penal Code. Prosecutors allege that the group willfully destroyed property at the Kutus Police Station, including the perimeter fence, windows of the main block, and police line housing units, all estimated at Ksh 70,000. Additionally, they were accused of damaging a private vehicle a Nissan Vanette valued at Ksh 13,000 belonging to one Leah Wairimu Muhari.
Represented by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Hon. Jane Njeri Maina, all 11 pleaded not guilty and were released on a cash bail of Ksh 10,000 each. Their case will be mentioned on July 11, 2025.
In a separate hearing at the Kerugoya Law Courts, Resident Magistrate Grace Waithera presided over the arraignment of 25 more youths charged with participating in an unlawful assembly during the Kerugoya protests. Of these, 24 pleaded not guilty, while one admitted to the charge and was granted a cash bail of Ksh 3,000. The remaining were released on bails ranging from Ksh 500 to Ksh 1,000. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 10, 2025.
The June 25 protests, now marking a symbolic date for national resistance, follow last year’s tragic events that left over 60 people dead across various cities. This year’s demonstrations drew heavy police presence and widespread arrests, sparking renewed debate over freedom of assembly and expression.
While the government insists it is enforcing law and order, human rights organizations have voiced alarm over what they perceive as a criminalization of peaceful protest. With mounting legal actions and political tensions, the spotlight remains on the state’s handling of dissent and the space allowed for public expression in Kenya’s democratic landscape.
