“Most of these young people are under the age of 25. 18-year-old young people are being charged with terrorism in circumstances that, when you consider, you can’t see any terrorist act which can be proven,” Maraga stated.
The retired CJ claimed the goal is clear—instil fear, break their spirits, and silence any resistance.
“What is being done is just to create terror for the young people, their families and control, but this is not going to be allowed,” he warned.
“A terrorist offence is a very serious offence, and the reason they are being charged with is so that they are denied bond, so that they are traumatised and kept in custody,” he added.
From Protest to Prison: Maraga Says Gov’t Targeting Youth with Fake Terror Charges
Eight Charged in Homa Bay Police Station Incident
Just before Maraga spoke, eight suspects appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts. They were accused of torching Mawego Police Station in Homa Bay during protests following the death of 21-year-old Albert Ojwang.
This group isn’t alone. Since June, dozens of young people protesting against government policies have been arrested and charged with terrorism. Authorities claim their actions during protests—including damaging government property—amount to terrorism.
Just last week, 37 individuals were brought before the same court. They were accused of destroying public offices including Kikuyu Law Courts, Dagoretti Police Post, and the Deputy County Commissioner’s Office.
Among the accused were vocal Gachagua allies, Peter Kinyanjui Wanjiru alias Kawanjiru, and Serah Wanjiku Thiga.
“You can’t abuse the law to cover up fear of losing power. That’s not democracy. That’s dictatorship in disguise,” a protester told reporters outside the courthouse.
Maraga Explodes: ‘Gov’t Using Courts to Crush Youth Dissent’
