Sixteen people were on Monday arraigned before the Kahawa Law Courts to face terrorism-related charges in connection with the June 25th attack on Makongeni Police Station in Thika West Sub-County, Kiambu County.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) charged the suspects with committing a terrorist act contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012. 

The accused—Douglas Wambugu Mugeci, Isaack Wandurwa Kagwi, Kelvin Mwangi Nderitu, Michael Waswa Matalanga, Joseph Karanja Mwangi, Paul Kangara Kimandu, Joseph Kamau Njiri, Evans Moki Mutia, Christopher Njoroge Wairimu, Simon Kagunyi, Hassan Kamau Njoroge, Isaac Muraya Muthee, Peter Waruinge Kariuki, Denis Mutei Munyoki, John Mutiso Wambua, and George Kanja Wanjiru—are alleged to have orchestrated the attack between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM on June 25.

According to court submissions, the attack resulted in significant destruction of government infrastructure, including damage to Makongeni Police Station, offices, vehicles, and injuries to officers on duty. 

The prosecution revealed that the suspects also face five counts of malicious damage to property, arson, theft, and an alternative charge of handling stolen property. 

They are further accused of willfully and unlawfully damaging eight government vehicles valued at Ksh. 2.4 million and setting fire to the station’s perimeter wall, which is valued at Ksh. 500,000.

Additionally, one of the accused, Isaack Wandurwa Kagwi, is charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer, reportedly resulting in permanent loss of sight in the officer’s left eye.

All sixteen suspects pleaded not guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech. 

The prosecution team, led by Principal Prosecution Counsels James Machirah and Kennedy Amwayi, alongside Mr. Kamau and Ms. Wangui, opposed the release of the accused on bond. 

The prosecution argued that the accused pose a serious threat to national security and the public, and warned that their release could interfere with investigations, including the arrest of possible accomplices and the protection of witnesses.

“Their release would not only undermine ongoing investigations but also endanger peace-loving citizens and could create a recipe for further unrest,” the prosecution stated.