Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji facing terrorism-related charges was released on Thursday evening. Photo Gitonga Mukunji Facebook.
After spending nights in the cells, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji was released on a cash bail of KSh 300,000 by the Kahawa Law Court.
Mukunji was realed alongside Inooro TV journalist James Mbochi and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthia, were being charged with terrosrism-related accusations linked to the recent protests. Mukunji is accused of financing and organizing Monday Saba Saba protests.
His lawyer Advocate Ndegwa Njiru faulted the case, accusing the state of misusing and weaponizing judicial process for political purposes. He questioned the decision to bring the matter before the Anti-Terrorism Court, noting that no specific charges had been filed.
“This case clearly indicates that they are yet to form an opinion as to the charges they were to prefer,” said Njiru.
According to Njiru, the investigating team failed to explain accusation of the suspect before bring the suspects to court, adding that the move amounted to intimidation.
“If they have not yet formed the opinion of the specific offences to answer, why are we before you? Why are we before the Anti-Terror Court? If this does not amount to weaponisation, intimidation and harassment, then what is it?” Njiru questioned.
Njiru further explained that the case fell short of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) constitutional mandate to prosecute in the public interest.
After his release, the first-time lawmaker visibly famished and exhausted expressed his gratitude to Kenya and people of Embu for standing with him and calling for his release, assuring his supporters that the fight against a better Kenya will not stop.
“Thank you so much for praying for me, for putting the word out there and I really appreciate, we are going to continue thanking God, the people of Embu, the people of Kenya, and our spirit will continue to defend the rights of our people,” Mukunji said.
Mukunji is a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been accused by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire of being used to fight her and cause mayhem in the county, with Mbarire urging him to stop destroying his budding political career.
