Gachagua Asks Kalonzo and Karua to Join Court Defence for Rearrested DCP Youth Officials

In a week of heightened political tensions, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has appealed for solidarity among senior opposition figures following a series of arrests and reported harassment of youth activists. 

Gachagua is specifically requesting prominent leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua attend the court appearances of two DCP youth leaders, Wanjiku Thiga and Peter Kawanjiru. The call to action follows the rearrest of Thiga and Kawanjiru, initially detained in connection with the June 25 Gen Z protests, held to commemorate those affected by last year's anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. 

The protests themselves were marred by clashes and a strong police response. Thiga had been granted bail of Sh50,000 with a Sh200,000 surety at a Kiambu court, while Kawanjiru received a free bond at Ruiru court. However, both were swiftly rearrested under circumstances that have ignited criticism from civil society organisations and opposition figures. 

Notably, Kawanjiru was forcibly detained by armed officers at Ruiru Law Courts shortly after his initial release, a scene captured on video that has raised concerns about judicial independence and due process. Speaking at a funeral in Nyeri County, Gachagua framed the presence of Musyoka and Karua at the court hearings as a potential deterrent to further perceived state overreach. 

"If they see you there, it will help us," he said, implying that their presence would draw public attention and discourage further action against the youth leaders.

These events occur against the backdrop of a broader political campaign by the United Opposition, a coalition including Gachagua, Musyoka, Karua, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. The coalition has been actively touring Western Kenya to garner support in anticipation of the 2027 general elections, positioning itself as a counterweight to President William Ruto's administration.

The United Opposition tour recently faced disruption when the convoy was attacked in Chwele town, Bungoma County, by unidentified individuals wielding stones and crude weapons. Vehicles sustained damage and several leaders were reportedly forced to flee. Musyoka later accused National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula of orchestrating the violence, alleging that state-sponsored operatives, under police protection, aimed to disrupt the rallies. 

Wetang'ula dismissed the accusations via social media, asserting his presence in Mombasa at the time of the incident and denying any involvement. In a separate statement, Gachagua condemned the violence in Bungoma, warning that governments which rely on brutality are "short-lived and lack legitimacy." He framed the attacks as a symptom of a decline in democratic norms, urging a renewed commitment to peaceful political engagement and respect for human rights. 

The rearrests of Thiga and Kawanjiru, both prominent youth organisers, are viewed by many as attempts to suppress dissent and discourage mobilisation. Civil society groups have called for transparency in the investigations and urged the judiciary to uphold constitutional protections.