Wamalwa slams Ruto over terror charges on Manyatta MP Gitonga

Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has criticised President William Ruto’s administration over the arrest and prosecution of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji and several young protesters who are facing terrorism-related charges.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Wamalwa condemned the government’s move to charge the opposition-aligned lawmaker and 30 young people, mostly Gen Z, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, calling it a misuse of the law and an attempt to silence political dissent.
“Returned to the heavily barricaded Kahawa Anti-Terrorism Courts this morning with my brothers @skmusyoka and @NjiruAdv to continue fighting for the release of Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, MP, Manyatta, and 30 Gen Zs who are facing terrorism charges for being part of the June 25 demonstrations,” Wamalwa wrote on his X account.
He accused President Ruto’s administration of weaponising the anti-terrorism law to label protesters as dangerous criminals, saying the state was targeting opposition voices and peaceful demonstrators instead of listening to their grievances.
“Prevention of Terrorism Act is now being used by the Ruto regime to terrorize political opponents and protesters by branding them terrorists and treating our Gen Z children like dangerous criminals, while commending the police for a job well done in shooting them in the head and directing them to now shoot in the legs,” he added.
Wamalwa went further to urge President Ruto to stop threatening opposition leaders with arrests and accusations of plotting to overthrow the government.
“Mr President, stop threatening the Opposition with arrest and calling them coup plotters planning to topple your government and sending our Gen Z to anti-terrorism courts, and start addressing the pertinent issues raised by them,” he stated.
The DAP-K leader clarified that the opposition was not seeking to bring down the government but was standing with the people in their push for justice, better governance, and an end to police brutality.
“As Kenya’s United Opposition, we have no intention of toppling your government, and that is why we are talking of #Wantam,” he said, adding that many Kenyans are frustrated by corruption, poor leadership, and the killing of protesters.
“Many Kenyans are tired of the killing of their children by this Blood-Based Government and its endemic corruption and failed policies, and wish it were half term,” he wrote.

Mukunji’s arrest
The National Police Service (NPS), in a statement released on Monday, July 7, confirmed the arrest of MP Gitonga Mukunji. The lawmaker was among several individuals apprehended during the Saba Saba protests, which saw thousands take to the streets across the country to demand reforms and accountability.
“Additionally, several suspects have been arrested, including Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency,” the police said.

According to the NPS, while most demonstrators were peaceful, some engaged in criminal activities, including attacking law enforcement officers, looting businesses, and destroying property.
“The National Police Service (NPS) wishes to update the public following today’s protests, dubbed ‘Saba Saba’. NPS commends the majority of Kenyans for being law-abiding and heeding the call to maintain law and order,” the statement read.
Wamalwa and other opposition leaders have vowed to continue pushing for the release of those arrested, warning the government against using fear and force to suppress the voice of the people.