The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has defended terrorism charges brought against protestors accused of vandalizing government installations during recent demonstrations.
Speaking on Thursday, July 24, Ingonga said that terrorism charges are not limited to the use of bombs and guns, but also include acts that endanger human life and the vandalism of government installations.
“Terrorism is not only when you use bombs, but if you commit acts that endanger human life and government installations, that’s an act of terrorism.
“We must understand that individuals don’t have to be armed with guns or bombs for us to charge them under that act. This is a law that was passed by our legislature,” said Ingonga.
The DPP argued that just because a law hasn’t been applied for some time doesn’t mean that its enforcement becomes unlawful when it is finally used.
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He noted that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has previously charged individuals with terrorism for vandalizing government installations in the North Eastern region.
“We have charged people with terrorism related offences when they vandalize government installations in North Eastern,” Ingonga continued.
His remarks come after uproar from critics who accused the state of using terror-related charges to silence dissent.
On Wednesday, Chief Justice Martha Koome denied claims that she influenced the decision to charge protesters under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Kome explained that her remarks following the June 25 attack on the Kikuyu Law Courts were based on the information available at the time.
“It is important to emphasize that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is fully independent, as guaranteed by Article 157(10) of the Constitution. This means that the DPP cannot be directed or influenced by any person or authority. This independence is further protected by internal guidelines, such as the Decision to Charge Guidelines,” said the Chief Justice.
On Saturday, July 19, Activist Boniface Mwangi was arrested over facilitating terrorist activities during the June 25, 2025, protests.
However, the charges were dropped, and he was charged with having ammunition and tear gas canisters.
