Two Gachagua allies, 34 others charged over attacks on government offices in Kikuyu, Matuu

Two Gachagua allies, 34 others charged over attacks on government offices in Kikuyu, Matuu

In addition to terrorism charges, the accused also face counts of arson and, in the alternative, malicious damage to property.

Two close allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and 34 others were on Thursday charged with terrorism at the Kahawa Law Court.

Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru, also known as Kawanjiru, and Serah Wanjiku Thiga were arraigned alongside the co-accused, all of whom denied the charges.

The suspects were arrested in Kikuyu (Kiambu County) and Matuu (Machakos County), where the alleged offences took place.

The court heard that several of the accused, including Daniel Wanyoike, George Kinyua, Alex Ng’ang’a, Jackson Muiruru, Frankline Mwangi, Sharon Bosibori, and Issack Solomon, among others, are accused of committing a terrorist act on June 25, 2025, in Kikuyu.

According to the prosecution, the attack caused extensive damage to government property, including the Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu Probation Office, sub-county offices, the chief’s office, the Registrar of Persons office, the sub-county education office, accountant’s office, Lands Registry, Dagoretti Police Post, and the deputy county commissioner’s office.

In addition to terrorism charges, the accused also face counts of arson and, in the alternative, malicious damage to property.

Ten other individuals arrested in Matuu were similarly charged with terrorism.

Destroying government property

They are alleged to have attacked Matuu Police Station on the same day, destroying government property, including police vehicles.

They also face three counts of assaulting police officers and three additional counts of malicious damage to property.

All the suspects denied the charges before Kahawa Magistrate Gideon Kiaga.

The Director of Public Prosecutions opposed their release on bond, citing flight risk, and noted that some of the suspects do not reside in the areas where the crimes were committed and that the alleged attacks appeared coordinated and targeted at government installations.

"The fact that some of the suspects did not live in the areas where the crimes were committed, and the fact that the accused were part of a coordinated attack targeted at government buildings", the prosecution said.

They were remanded until July 16, when the court will rule on bail.

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