Saba Saba protest is on - DCP youths say after Wanjiku Thiga is re-arrested

DCP Party Youth Leader Njeri Kahiga/ SCRRENGRAB

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)  youths have vowed to lead the youth back to the streets on Saba Saba Day, shortly after their leader, Wanjiku Thiga, was re-arrested after being released on bail by the Kiambu Law Courts.

Addressing the press outside the court on Friday, July 4, the youths, led by Njeri Kahiga, pledged that they would not be silenced despite recent arrests.

“Monday bado mapambano. We are going to go for saba saba. If you are going to arrest us, arrest us now. But on Monday, at 8 am, you release us! We will be going to the streets again for the saba saba,” Njeri said.

She spoke after the DCP Youth leader Wanjiku was arraigned in Kiambu court and released on a Sh50,000 bond with a Sh200,000 surety. 

She was, however, re-arrested.

Thiga was arrested earlier this week in Kamakis, Ruiru, and detained at Ruiru Police Station.

Njeri, who led the group of youths, denounced attempts to intimidate young people into supporting the ruling UDA party.

She said the youth had seen through such tactics and would not be silenced.

“They will not intimidate us into joining UDA,” she asserted.

She also addressed Members of Parliament, urging them to remain accountable to the public and mindful of the responsibilities entrusted to them.

“You were elected by the people, not to be used against them. We are watching you,” she said, urging them to stand on the right side of history.

Njeri's arrest, alongside that of Peter Kinyanjui, DCP’s Kiambu County Youth Leader, sparked condemnation from human rights activists and family members.

Reports indicated that Karanja was taken from his home in Limuru in a dramatic night operation, with gunshots allegedly fired to disperse concerned neighbours.

The youths' strong stance comes as preparations for Saba Saba Day protests, marking the historic July 7 movement for multiparty democracy, intensify nationwide.

The youth-led demonstrations have taken a new shape this year, with Gen Z at the forefront, demanding systemic change and accountability from the government.

With Monday fast approaching, all eyes now turn to how security agencies and the state will respond to the renewed calls for mass action.