The prosecution on Thursday asked for more time to complete investigations and change charges against 22 people accused of setting fire to two police stations, forcing the court to postpone their plea taking once again.
Sixteen of the suspects are alleged to have participated in burning down Makongeni Police Station in Thika, while the other six are linked to the torching of Matuu Police Station in Machakos County.
They appeared before the Kahawa Law Courts expecting the case to officially begin.
However, the prosecution told the court that its investigations were not yet complete and that it intended to amend the charge sheet. As a result, the court directed the suspects to return next Tuesday to take plea on the revised charges.
Lawyer John Maina Ndegwa, who is representing the accused, criticised the decision, saying the delay was unjustified.
“We came here knowing the case would start, but shockingly the prosecutor said investigations aren’t complete and now they want to amend the charge sheet. These were just random arrests, not even people from the crime scene,” he said.
The court also turned down the suspects’ request for the release of their motorcycles and tuk-tuks, which are still being held by police.
Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiaga told the parties: “On the issue of motorbikes, please let’s deal with that separately through other avenues.”
Through their lawyer, the accused claimed the State had no evidence and was dragging out the case unnecessarily.
“We don’t know the new charges they want to impose on my 22 clients. It seems the prosecution doesn’t have a case, that’s why they’re dilly-dallying. We are asking them to close the file and leave these young men alone,” Ndegwa said.
The suspects expressed growing frustration with the repeated adjournments, saying the delays were wearing them down. One of the accused, Mwau Gatungwa, said: “Our question to the court is, if we committed an act of terrorism, let the case proceed. Not these constant two-week delays. They are really frustrating us, but God is with us.”
The group is scheduled to return to court next Tuesday, October 7, 2025 for the new plea taking.