Armed cops burst into Ruiru Law Courts on Friday and grabbed youth leader Peter Kinyanjui right after judges freed him. The officers demanded guards open the main doors before rushing into the courtroom. Family members screamed and fought back when police seized Kinyanjui from the building. Officers outside fired several shots into the air to scatter the angry crowd. Police threw him into a waiting van and drove away from the courthouse.
Another youth leader named Wanjiku Thiga faced the same treatment at Kiambu police station hours later. Judges had released her after she paid a 50,000 shilling bond earlier that day. Anti-riot police blocked her lawyers and family from taking her home from the station. Young supporters gathered outside chanting her name and demanding her freedom. Armed officers walked around the building but ignored their calls.
Both leaders helped organize the June 25 Gen Z protests that rocked the country. Police have been arresting youth activists across Kenya before the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations. Authorities fear another wave of protests will hit the streets next week. The National Police Service claims no official protest notice has been filed. Civil society groups and Gen Z activists are still preparing for the historic day of resistance that started back in 1990.
Another youth leader named Wanjiku Thiga faced the same treatment at Kiambu police station hours later. Judges had released her after she paid a 50,000 shilling bond earlier that day. Anti-riot police blocked her lawyers and family from taking her home from the station. Young supporters gathered outside chanting her name and demanding her freedom. Armed officers walked around the building but ignored their calls.
Both leaders helped organize the June 25 Gen Z protests that rocked the country. Police have been arresting youth activists across Kenya before the July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations. Authorities fear another wave of protests will hit the streets next week. The National Police Service claims no official protest notice has been filed. Civil society groups and Gen Z activists are still preparing for the historic day of resistance that started back in 1990.
