Screengrab of the alleged re-arrest of DCP Kiambu youth leader Peter Kinyanjui outside the Ruiru Law Courts.Drama unfolded at the Ruiru Law Courts on Friday when armed police officers stormed the premises and reportedly re-arrested DCP Kiambu youth leader Peter Kinyanjui, alias Kawanjiru, shortly after he was released.
Kinyanjui, who is said to be under investigation in connection with the violence that occurred during the June 25 Gen Z protests, had just exited the courtroom when commotion broke out.
A video shared online appeared to show a group of armed officers outside the court demanding that the main entrance be opened.
Once inside, the officers rushed into the courtroom and grabbed Kinyanjui, prompting screams and resistance from relatives and supporters.
A brief scuffle broke out, forcing officers stationed outside to fire several shots into the air to disperse the crowd and secure the arrest.
The officers then bundled Kinyanjui into a waiting van and sped off from the scene.
A similar incident was reported shortly afterwards at the Kiambu police station, where police and youth supporters clashed over the alleged re-arrest of another DCP youth leader, Wanjiku Thiga.
Wanjiku had earlier been released on a bond of Sh50,000 by a Kiambu court.
Attempts by her lawyers, family, and friends to secure her release were blocked by alleged anti-riot police deployed at the station.
A tense standoff ensued, with youth chanting “Tunataka Wanjiku, Wanjiku, Wanjiku – ako wapi?” outside the station entrance.
Armed police paced around unmoved.
The two arrests add to a growing list of recent police actions targeting youth leaders perceived to have played key roles in mobilising the nationwide protests on June 25.
The sweeping crackdowns have raised concerns among observers who view the arrests as part of a broader attempt by authorities to muzzle dissenting voices ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba demonstrations on July 7.
Although the National Police Service maintains that no formal notification has been filed for a protest, signals from civil society and Gen Z activists suggest preparations are underway to return to the streets.
Saba Saba, which dates back to July 7, 1990, is a historic day in Kenya’s political evolution, symbolising the struggle for multiparty democracy.
In recent years, it has become a rallying point for calls to end police brutality, demand political accountability, and protect civil rights.
