Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man linked to the violent protests witnessed in Embu town on July 7, 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 29, DCI said the suspect, Joseph Thuku, mobilized violent protestors to cause chaos in Embu.
Following the arrest, the suspect was arraigned before the Kahawa Law Courts in Kiambu County.
“In a well-coordinated operation, detectives have arrested Joseph Mbira Thuku, a key figure behind the violent protests that recently rocked Embu town.
“Thuku, identified as one of the main mobilizers of the violent protests, was swiftly apprehended and arraigned before the Kahawa Law Courts,” read the DCI statement in part.
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The court granted detectives a five-day custodial order to allow for comprehensive investigations against Thuku.
The case is set for mention on Monday, August 4, 2025.
Thuku’s arrest comes after hundreds of protesters were arrested following the June 25th and July 7 demonstrations.
A section of the protestors were charged with terrorism and arson. They were, however, released on cash bail.
On July 24, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga defended terrorism charges brought against protestors, saying terrorism charges are not limited to the use of bombs and guns.
Ingonga noted that terror charges 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.
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