The vigil, led by youth activist Valentine Waithera at the Ngurubani matatu stage in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, was disrupted by police officers from Wang’uru Police Station. Officers reportedly extinguished and destroyed the candles, dispersed the gathering, and arrested two participants, Margaret Wambui and Doreen Mworia, at around 8pm.
The two were taken to Wang’uru Police Station before being released later in the night following the intervention of Tebere Ward MCA Peter Karinga, who assured police that the women would maintain peace.
As part of the conditions for their release, the two were directed to report back to Wang’uru Police Station on Friday at 10am
Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal urged young people to remain peaceful, saying police had intervened because the candles were being lit at a busy matatu stage frequented by street children.
Speaking after her release, Margaret Wambui maintained that the group had not broken any law.
“We did not go for protests; that’s why we decided to light candles. Please release us, we have done nothing wrong,” she said.
Youth leaders Jackson Mwangi and Valentine Waithera defended the vigil, arguing that it was a peaceful remembrance of those who lost their lives during the Gen Z protests and was protected under Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket peacefully.
