Activists Arrested over Gen Z Protests Shout 'Ruto Must Go' in Court: "Wantam"
- Arrested protestors broke into chants of 'Amandla' and 'viva' during dramatic court appearance on Monday. June 30
- DCI said the trio used social media to incite theft, violence and chaos during June 25 Gen Z demos
- Their reported escape plan to the Coast was thwarted by detectives in a swift operation
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Chants and chaos marked a dramatic court session in Nairobi as three young men accused of inciting violence during recent Gen Z protests were arraigned on Monday, June 30.
Source: UGC
The suspects, John Mulingwa Nzau (alias Garang), Mark Amiani (alias Generali), and Francis Mutunge Mwangi (alias Chebukati), were arrested on June 27 aboard a Mombasa-bound bus near Konza City, Machakos county.
They were reportedly trying to flee Nairobi after being linked to acts of violence that rocked the anti-government protests.
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Authorities said the suspects had used their social media accounts to mobilise individuals for disruptive actions, including looting, destruction of property, and attacks on police.
Investigators claimed their content actively encouraged lawlessness during the demonstrations, which were largely peaceful and led by Gen Z youth pushing for political and economic reforms.
What caused the courtroom outburst?
The court appearance quickly turned theatrical as the three accused broke into chants of “Amandla” and “viva,” rallying the packed courtroom into a chorus.
According to videos seen by TUKO.co.ke, at one point, they led a “wantam” chant, a phrase perceived as a direct jab at President William Ruto’s leadership, suggesting he would be a one-term leader.
What led to their arrest?
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the arrests were made after an intelligence-led operation informed by tip-offs from members of the public and a forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital footprints.
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The DCI accused the trio of plotting to regroup at the Coast to evade arrest and possibly stir further unrest.
Their apprehension was described as part of a wider effort to neutralise criminal elements hijacking legitimate protests for unlawful purposes.
Source: Getty Images
Police intensify crackdown on June 25 protests suspects
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that detectives from the DCI arrested 25 suspects linked to the violence witnessed on June 25 in Kikuyu, Kiambu.
The suspects were later arraigned at the Ruiru Law Courts, where the prosecution obtained a 14-day custodial order to hold the suspects as investigations continued.
During follow-up operations, police recovered stolen items including steel windows, a door and a water tank hidden in a bush near Kabete.
In a related development, residents of Kikuyu came out in support of 22-year-old Mariam Njeri Ali, one of the suspects arrested following the violent June 25 protests.
She was among those accused of vandalising government property, including setting fire to the Kikuyu Law Courts.
Neighbours launched an online appeal claiming she had no involvement in the chaos. They argued that she had been at work and provided a timeline suggesting she was arrested shortly after leaving a nearby hotel.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
