Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has been granted a reprieve after a Kahawa Court dismissed a bid by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to extend his detention over terror-related charges linked to the Saba Saba protests.

Principal Magistrate Richard Koech rejected the DCI’s request to hold Mukunji and two other suspects for an additional 14 days, stating that investigators had not provided adequate grounds to justify the continued custody.

He instead directed that the accused only present themselves to investigators when officially required, rather than on a weekly basis as had been proposed.

The court also heard from Director of Public Prosecutions James Mashira, who informed the magistrate that investigations into the matter were already 70 per cent complete.

The case will be mentioned on August 26 for plea taking.

Mukunji, journalist James Mbochi, and boda boda rider Stanley Mbuthi were earlier released on July 10 on a cash bail of Sh300,000 each after spending days in custody at Muthaiga Police Station.

The DCI had claimed the three were being investigated for terrorism-related offences, including suspected recruitment and funding of violent groups that were allegedly linked to the protests.

The charges stem from Mukunji’s arrest on July 7, following remarks made during the Saba Saba demonstrations that drew national attention and led to several arrests across the country.

Speaking after the ruling, Mukunji urged the public to remain calm and respect the judicial process as the matter continues to unfold.