Gachagua announces release of DCP youth leaders James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga
By Nancy Marende, July 16, 2025Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced the release of the party’s two youth leaders, James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga, who were detained in connection with the June 25 protests, which were marred by violence.
In a statement on July 16, 2025, Gachagua confirmed that the two were released on a Ksh50,000 cash bail after Kahawa Law Courts ruled that there was no evidence against them.
“DCP youth leaders James KaWanjiru and Wanjiku Thiga were released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each after the Kahawa Law Courts magistrate ruled that there was no evidence to warrant further detention,” he said.
“DCP Party would like to take this opportunity to thank all our lawyers who took part in ensuring justice is served,” he added.
This comes a week after Gachagua publicly appealed to Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and senior counsel Martha Karua to show solidarity with two youth leaders.
Speaking on July 5, 2025, during the burial of his aunt, Gladys Gathoni, in Nyeri, Gachagua expressed concern over what he described as politically charged actions targeting young people affiliated with his political wing.
He referenced the cases of Wanjiku Thiga and Peter Kawanjiru, two youth leaders of the DCP, who were initially arrested earlier this week, released on bond, and then re-arrested shortly after.
Their presence in court, Gachagua suggested, could lend weight and visibility to the unfolding matter and potentially serve as a check on what he implied may be unfair legal treatment.
“So we are saying, Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, if it will be possible, when those two children are taken to Kahawa court on Monday, please be there because if they see you there, it will help us,” Gachagua stated.
The arrest
Wanjiku Thiga was first arraigned at the Kiambu Law Courts and released on a bond of Ksh50,000 with a surety of Ksh200,000.
Peter Kawanjiru, on the other hand, was freed on a free bond by a Ruiru court.
However, the brief reprieve was cut short when both were rearrested, sparking public attention and growing concern among the deputy president’s allies.
Drama unfolded at the Ruiru Law Courts on Friday when armed police officers stormed the premises and reportedly rearrested DCP Kiambu youth leader Peter Kinyanjui, alias Kawanjiru, shortly after he was released.
Kinyanjui, who is said to be under investigation in connection with the violence that occurred during the June 25 Gen Z protests, had just exited the courtroom when commotion broke out.
A video shared online appeared to show a group of armed officers outside the court demanding that the main entrance be opened.
Once inside, the officers rushed into the courtroom and grabbed Kinyanjui, prompting screams and resistance from relatives and supporters.