Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) National Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga has vowed to return to the streets on Saba Saba Day, just hours after being released on bail by the Kiambu Law Courts. Thiga was arrested earlier this week in Kamakis, Ruiru, and detained at the Ruiru Police Station. She was later charged in court and released on a bond of KSh50,000 with a KSh200,000 surety.
Standing outside the court on Friday, Thiga delivered a fiery address to the media, reaffirming her commitment to the youth-led movement demanding accountability and democratic reforms in Kenya.
“Monday bado mapambano. We are going to go for Saba Saba. If you are going to arrest us, arrest us now. But on Monday, at 8 a.m., you release us we are going back to the streets,” she said defiantly.
Thiga condemned what she termed as state-sponsored intimidation aimed at silencing youth voices. She boldly rejected any attempts to coerce the younger generation into aligning with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), stating, “They will not intimidate us into joining UDA.”
She also sent a pointed message to Members of Parliament, reminding them of their constitutional duty to serve the people. “You were elected by the people, not to be used against them. We are watching you,” she warned.
Thiga’s arrest, along with that of Peter Kinyanjui, DCP’s Kiambu County Youth Leader, has sparked outrage among human rights groups. Kinyanjui was reportedly taken in a dramatic night operation in Limuru, where gunshots were allegedly fired to disperse alarmed neighbours.
The resurgence of the Saba Saba protests commemorating the July 7 movement that ushered in multiparty democracy in Kenya has been fuelled by Generation Z’s bold activism. This year’s protests have taken on a new urgency, with growing frustration over governance, corruption, and youth unemployment.
With Saba Saba Day fast approaching, the nation waits to see how authorities will handle the escalating demands for justice and reform from the country’s youth.
