The long-awaited hearing of an arson case arising from the June 2024 protests finally commenced at the Kiambu Law Courts, nearly two years after the alleged incidents, with lawyers representing one of the accused, Stephen Kigathi Kionywe, alleging that the prosecution had delayed proceedings and insisting that the case is politically motivated.
The case, which stems from the unrest witnessed during the 2024 Finance Bill demonstrations in Kikuyu, saw the prosecution present its first witness as the trial officially got underway. However, according to the defence team, witnesses expected to testify on the alleged burning of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) offices did not appear in court.
Speaking outside the court, defence lawyer Ndegwa Njiru questioned the timing of the trial, noting that it comes as the country approaches the anniversary of the Gen Z-led protests and amid renewed public debate over the proposed 2026/2027 Finance Bill.
He argued that despite the commencement of the proceedings, the hearing would not deter those advocating for constitutional rights and public accountability, maintaining that the legal process should not be used to silence political voices or discourage civic participation.
Njiru said that the day’s proceedings revolved around allegations concerning the theft of a speaker rather than the more serious accusations relating to the burning of the NG-CDF offices and the Deputy County Commissioner’s offices in Kikuyu.
He further alleged that the case amounted to a targeted effort against political opponents, describing it as an attempt to silence a leading contender in the Kikuyu parliamentary race.
Another member of the defence team, lawyer Arnold Otieno, welcomed the commencement of the hearing, saying it marked an end to what he described as prolonged delays by the prosecution.
Otieno said the defence was optimistic that the matter could substantially progress during the scheduled hearing dates of September 22 to 24, expressing confidence that the available evidence would not establish the involvement of Kigathi or his co-accused in the alleged arson.
According to the defence, the prosecution had initially indicated that it intended to call 25 witnesses but has since reduced the number to five. Following the testimony of the first witness, four witnesses are expected to testify in the remaining stages of the trial.
Addressing supporters after the court session, Stephen Kigathi Kionywe said he was encouraged that the trial had finally begun after two years of waiting.
He questioned why witnesses expected to testify on the alleged burning of the NG-CDF offices had not appeared and maintained that no substantial evidence had been presented linking him to the alleged offences.
Kigathi further alleged that his constitutional rights had been violated and claimed that the charges were politically motivated because of his affiliation with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and his declared intention to contest the Kikuyu parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
He also accused state agencies of harassment and intimidation, claims that have not been tested in court, while affirming his intention to continue with his political ambitions.
Court records indicate that Kigathi has denied multiple criminal charges arising from the events of June 25, 2024.
Among the charges is the allegation that, jointly with others before court and others not before court, he willfully and unlawfully set fire to the National Government Constituency Development Fund offices in Kikuyu Township, causing damage valued at KSh20 million.
He has also denied a separate charge of malicious damage relating to the alleged burning of a Land Rover motor vehicle, registration number KAH 979S, valued at KSh2.5 million and said to be the property of Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah.
Additional charges include allegedly damaging the office of the Deputy County Commissioner in Kikuyu by destroying windows, roofing and sections of the perimeter wall, with the damage estimated at KSh600,000.
The trial is expected to continue during the scheduled September sittings, when the remaining prosecution witnesses are expected to testify before the court determines whether the evidence presented establishes the charges against the accused persons.
