Eleven youths were on Friday arraigned at the Gichugu Law Courts in connection with anti-government protests held on June 25.
The accused James Nyamu, Cyrus Githinji, Kennedy Wanjohi, Arnold Murimi, Bendan Kamau, Felix Ndichu, Solomon Muchoki, Kelvin Kamau, Bonface (surname not provided), Brian Mutinda, and Joseph Irungu were charged with malicious damage to property, including the Kutus Police Station’s fence and windows, valued at Ksh 70,000.
They also faced a second count for damaging a private vehicle, a Nissan Vanette belonging to Leah Wairimu Muhari, with estimated damages totalling Ksh 13,000.
All pleaded not guilty and were represented by Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, who is also an advocate.
They were released on a cash bail of Ksh 10,000 each. The matter will be mentioned on July 11.
Meanwhile, at the Kerugoya Law Courts, 25 other youths were charged before Resident Magistrate Grace Waithera for allegedly taking part in an unlawful assembly in Kerugoya town on the same day.
Among those arraigned were Isaac Mwai, Hillary Kinyua, Hildah Macere, Cynthia Nyakio, Duncan Gichobi, and Dennis Kanguro.
One of the accused individuals pleaded guilty and was granted Ksh 3,000 bail, while the others denied the charges and were granted bail of between Ksh 500 and Ksh 1,000. They will have their case mentioned on July 10.
The arrests, which are related to the protests of June 25, follow increasing public anxiety about the way the authorities are managing countrywide protests. Human rights activists have cautioned against what they describe as rising suppression of civil liberties.
