By Ashley Kariuki
Sixteen individuals have been arraigned at the Kahawa Law Courts and charged with terrorism related offences following a violent attack on Makongeni Police Station in Thika West Sub County, Kiambu County.
“The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has today arraigned sixteen individuals before the Kahawa Law Courts on Commission of a Terrorist Act Contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of the Terrorism Act No. 30 of 2012,” stated the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The court heard that the suspects allegedly committed the terrorist act on 25th June, 2025 between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Makongeni Police Station.
“The court was informed that the attack resulted to extensive destruction of government infrastructure, including significant damage to government offices and assets, the Makongeni Police Station, government vehicles, and injuries to police officers on duty.”
In addition to the terrorism charge, the sixteen accused face five counts of malicious damage to property, arson, stealing with an alternative charge of handling stolen property, and causing grievous harm.
“The court heard that on 25th June, 2025, the 16 accused persons willfully and unlawfully damaged eight government vehicles valued at Ksh. 2.4 Million, and set fire to the Makongeni Police Station perimeter wall valued at Ksh. 500,000.”
One of the accused was also charged with grievous harm: “The court also heard that one of the accused willfully and unlawfully did grievous harm to a police officer, causing permanent loss of sight in his left eye.”
All accused persons pleaded not guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Richard Koech.
The DPP, through Principal Prosecution Counsels Mr. James Machirah and Mr. Kennedy Amwayi, together with Mr. Kamau and Ms. Wangui, opposed the accused’s release on bond, stating: “They are a serious threat to the peace-loving people of Kenya and that their release will jeopardize National Security and create a recipe for chaos.”
The prosecution further argued that the accused individuals “possess the capacity to interfere with investigations, arrest of their associates and possible witnesses.”
The matter is scheduled for mention on 17th July 2025.