Sixteen Suspects Arraigned Over Terror Attack on Makongeni Police Station in Thika

Sixteen suspects were arraigned Monday at the Kahawa Law Courts in connection with a violent terrorist attack on Makongeni Police Station in Thika West, Kiambu County, that occurred on June 25, 2025.

The suspects, including  Douglas Wambugu Mugeci, Isaack Wandurwa Kagwi, Kelvin Mwangi Nderitu, Michael Waswa Matalanga, Joseph Karanja Mwangi, Paul Kangara Kimandu, Joseph Kamau Njiri, Evans Moki Mutia, Christopher Njoroge Wairimu, Simon Kagunyi, Hassan Kamau Njoroge, Isaac Muraya Muthee, Peter Waruinge Kariuki, Denis Mutei Munyoki, John Mutiso Wambua and George Kanja Wanjiru, face charges of committing a terrorist act, contrary to Section 4(1) of Kenya’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (2012).

According to the prosecution, the attack, which occurred between 2:00pm and 7:00pm, caused widespread destruction of government infrastructure, including the police station itself, several government offices and vehicles. Multiple police officers sustained injuries, one of whom reportedly lost sight in his left eye following a grievous assault.

In addition to the terrorism charges, the suspects face five counts of malicious damage to property, arson, theft, handling stolen property and causing grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutors said the accused willfully destroyed eight government vehicles worth KSh. 2.4 million and set fire to a section of the station’s perimeter wall valued at KSh. 500,000.

Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech presided over the proceedings. 

All 16 defendants pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution, led by Principal Counsel James Machirah, Kennedy Amwayi, Kamau, and Wangui, strongly opposed bail, arguing that the accused pose a significant threat to national security. They further warned that their release could jeopardize ongoing investigations, lead to witness intimidation, and disrupt efforts to apprehend accomplices.

The case is scheduled for mention on July 17, 2025.