Two Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Youth leaders, James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga, have been released on Ksh50,000 bail each on Wednesday, July 16.

The release follows a ruling by Magistrate Patrick Kiage at the Kahawa Law Courts, who dismissed the Director of Public Prosecution's (DPP) application to detain the two youth leaders, citing a lack of evidence.

In a celebratory tweet, DCP Party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took the opportunity to thank all lawyers who stood in solidarity with the youth leaders.

''DCP Party would like to take this opportunity to thank all our lawyers who took part in ensuring justice is served,'' Gachagua wrote.

James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga at the Kahawa Law Courts, July 16, 2025.

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Screengrab

KaWanjiru and Thiga were among 37 individuals arrested in connection with the Gen Z-led demonstrations that escalated into chaos, destroying several government offices.

The duo was accused of orchestrating coordinated attacks on facilities, including the Kikuyu Law Courts, Sub-County Administration Offices, and the Dagoretti Police Post.

Following their arrest, the DPP approved terrorism charges under Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, which criminalizes acts intended to intimidate the public or destabilize government institutions.

Their arrest raised tension and sparked debate among Kenyans and also leaders affiliated with the DCP party.

Gachagua, who was among those who condemned the arrest, also condemned the use of terrorism laws against protesters, claiming the government was selectively applying the law to suppress disagreement.

Thiga had been detained on July 1 at Kamakis, Ruiru. Her arrest was later confirmed by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina, who criticized the lack of transparency and accused authorities of targeting youth leaders for their political affiliations.

Kawanjiru's arrest was even more dramatic, as chaos and gunshots were involved. He was seized from his home in murky circumstances, with his family revealing that the police fired live gunshots and destroyed properties during the arrest.

His whereabouts remained unknown for nearly 48 hours until the National Police Service confirmed he was in custody. The duo was later arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts, where they faced terrorism and arson charges alongside other protesters.

Peter Kawanjiru, Rigathi Gachagua's ally allegedly abducted at night, June 30, 2025.

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Rigathi Gachagua, Screengrab