Police have arrested two youth leaders from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) in Kiambu County. The arrests have sparked claims of abduction and growing protests from families and supporters. The two are being held at Ruiru Police Station as relatives, activists, and local party members demand their immediate release.
The arrested leaders are Wanjiku Thiga, DCP’s national youth coordinator, and Peter Karanja, the county’s youth leader. Officers detained them separately last week under circumstances that sources describe as resembling abductions.
Simon Mwangi, Thiga’s brother, described how officers intercepted his sister while she was riding a matatu in Kamakis, Ruiru. “We heard they bundled her into an unmarked vehicle like kidnappers,” he said. He urged authorities to release her quickly. Thiga’s sister, Susan Njeri, echoed the plea and called the arrest “harassment.”
Karanja remains in custody at the same station. His family and community activists say they have received no official information about charges. They accuse police of acting outside the law.
Local activists, led by former nominated MCA Mercy Nungari, submitted a petition to the County Commissioner. They urged President Ruto to stop what they called a “brutal crackdown on youth voices.” According to them, these arrests are part of a broader move to silence dissent. “Supporters of DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua face intimidation for speaking out,” they claimed.
Supporters condemned the police tactics. They argued that the law requires summons or formal notices, not surprise detentions. They believe this is more about silencing political voices than enforcing the law.
DCP leaders stood by Thiga and Karanja. They insisted that police should use legal channels to question suspects. The party has threatened to take legal action if the two are not released and formally charged.
These developments follow national protests on June 25 that led to tighter security. Critics argue the government is using the unrest to justify tougher action against political activists.
Across Kenya, counties have raised concerns over increased threats to civic freedoms. Human rights groups have called on police to respect constitutional rights, including freedom of assembly and political expression.
So far, Ruiru police have not released any charges or evidence to support the arrests.
