22 protesters accused of burning police stations fail to take plea as State seeks more time

Sixteen suspects accused of burning down Makongeni Police Station in Thika, and six others accused of torching Matuu Police Station in Machakos County, on Thursday appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts for the commencement of their case.

But the plea taking was once again deferred, as the prosecution cited incomplete investigations and sought to amend the charges. The court directed them to return on Tuesday to be informed of the new charges.

Lawyer John Maina Ndegwa, representing the suspects, said: “We came here knowing the case would start, but shockingly the prosecutor said investigations aren’t complete and now they want to amend the charge sheet. These were just random arrests, not even people from the crime scene.”

The court also declined to rule on their request for the release of motorcycles and tuk-tuks still held by police.

Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiaga stated: “On the issue of motorbikes, please let’s deal with that separately through other avenues.”

Through their lawyer, the suspects accused the State of lacking evidence and deliberately delaying the trial.

“We don’t know the new charges they want to impose on my 22 clients. It seems the prosecution doesn’t have a case, that’s why they’re dilly-dallying. We are asking them to close the file and leave these young men alone,” stated Ndegwa.

The suspects maintain that they’re tired of the delays and want the prosecution to proceed with the case or terminate it if they have sufficient evidence of arson or terrorism.

One of the accused persons, Mwau Gatungwa, said: “Our question to the court is, if we committed an act of terrorism, let the case proceed. Not these constant two-week delays. They are really frustrating us, but God is with us.”

The suspects are expected back in court next Tuesday to take a new plea.