Peter Kawanjiru: Missing DCP Youth Leader, Another Rigathi Gachagua's Ally Detained at Ruiru Station
- Two influential youth leaders linked to the Democracy for Citizens Party have been detained following dramatic operations
- The National Police Service confirmed the arrest of the individuals but remains silent on the specific charges they face
- The incidents have sparked nationwide concern amid rising political tension and growing public unrest
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Kiambu: Peter Kawanjiru, a youth leader affiliated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is currently in police custody following his dramatic arrest.
Source: Facebook
Kawanjiru, a prominent grassroots mobiliser and staunch supporter of former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, was reportedly taken from his home in Limuru under unclear circumstances.
What happened to Peter Kawanjiru?
His family accused officers believed to be from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of forcefully entering the home, damaging property, and causing panic in the neighbourhood.
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The alleged abductors, in a viral video, fired rounds in the air to disperse crowds that wanted to bar the mission.
Hours after the incident, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that the youth leader and another woman, also an ally of Gachagua, were indeed in police custody.
Sources indicated the two are being held for their alleged involvement in organising or inciting unrest during the June 25 Gen Z demonstrations, which rocked several parts of the country.
Who is the woman detained with Kawanjiru?
The woman, identified as Wanjiku Thiga, is the national youth leader and a member of the National Executive Committee of the DCP.
Source: Twitter
She was arrested on Tuesday, July 1, in the Kamakis area of Ruiru. Kirinyaga county woman representative Njeri Maina confirmed her arrest.
"Wanjiku Thiga is being held at Ruiru police station; the officers within the station claim not to know what they’re holding her for. The OCS, DCIO, and OCPD have conveniently made themselves scarce. NPS, DCI release Wanjiku or charge her!" she wrote.
Both Kawanjiru and Thiga are credited with playing key roles in youth mobilisation and political messaging within Kiambu and surrounding regions.
Their arrests have drawn national attention, heightening fears amid rising concerns over enforced disappearances, extrajudicial actions by law enforcement, and growing political tensions.
The two remain in custody at the Ruiru Police Station as police prepare to present them in court. However, authorities are yet to disclose the specific charges they will face.
Meanwhile, in a separate update, Maina claimed that the DCI, through its Kikuyu office, has applied to detain Kawanjiru for 21 days to allow for further investigations.
Did DCI summon Gachagua?
Meanwhile, DCI director Mohamed Amin dismissed reports claiming that Gachagua had been summoned over recent remarks, labelling the allegations as false and misleading.
He clarified that no official summons had been issued and urged the public to ignore information circulating online and in some media outlets.
Amin emphasised that Gachagua, like any other citizen, is not above the law and would face appropriate legal action if found to have committed any offence.
He further noted that investigations are ongoing and affirmed that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or position, would be exempt from accountability if found culpable.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
