DPP Renson Ingonga has stated has defended teeror charges against protesters, staing that burning of government institutions amounts to terrorism Act. Photo: People Daily.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has defended the controversial terror related charges against Gen Z protesters, dismissing the allegations that the charges are politically instigated.
Leaders from the opposition, Law Society of Kenya and Human Rights Groups have harshly criticised the government, for misusing the Terrorism Act to intimidate dissenting voices.
Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, Ingonga defended the decision of ODDP’s office to charged the anti-government protesters with terror related offenses as the charges have been based on the impact of destruction, including targeted attack towards government institutions, which he says qualifies as acts of terrorism in the laws of Kenya.
He explained that the decision to charge protesters is guided by ODDP’s document on Decision to Charge Guidelines, as well as any other prosecutor, without favoring anyone or intimidated.
“We want prosecution decisions made across different regions to be uniform. These guidelines emphasize evidence-based prosecution to ensure we charge the right person, in line with people-cantered justice. We must resist pressure, fear, or favour,” Ingonga explained.
On Saturday, renowned human rights activist was arrested by the DCI at his home in Lukenya Machakos County, with allegations of facilitating terror activities in June 25 protests. However, on Monday Kahawa Law Courts dropped the terror charges, and charged Mwangi with possession of ammunition without valid license and was released on a cash bail of KSh 1M.
Further defending his decision, Ingonga said that if protests are held against the administration, it not necessarily means that he is under influence on the type of charge to be administered, explaining further that Terrorism is not only limited to use of guns and bombing.
“If demonstrations are against the Executive and people are charged with terrorism, it does not mean there is government pressure on me. Terrorism is not limited to guns or bombings; destroying property, especially government property, also qualifies as terrorism. This law was passed in 2014 by the same legislature that is now opposing these cases,” he further explained.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, a close ally of former DP Rigathi Gachagua was arrested and charged under Terrorism Act, for allegedly sponsoring, and planning chaos in Embu County. He has since sued the government, over what he described as misuse of the law.
Additionally, 37 youths were released on a cash bail of KSh 50,000 or a bond of KSh 200,000. LSK President Faith Odhiambo has criticised the charges against protesters, arguing that the protests did not amount to being charged under with terrorism related offenses.
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