Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) National Youth Leader Wanjiku Thiga has vowed to return to the streets for the upcoming Saba Saba demonstrations, despite her recent arrest in Kimakis, Ruiru Kiambu County.

Speaking on Friday, July 4, 2025, after being released from police custody, Thiga reaffirmed her commitment to the cause and dismissed attempts to intimidate her into silence.

“Monday bado mapambano. We are going to go for Saba Saba. If you are going to arrest us, arrest us now. But on Monday, at 8 am, you release us! We will be going to the streets again for the Saba Saba,” she declared, underscoring her determination and that of her fellow youth activists to press on with the protests planned for Monday.

Thiga was arrested earlier this week in Kimakis alongside Peter Kinyanjui, DCP’s Youth Leader in Kiambu County. The two were detained at a local police station, an action that has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and opposition supporters who claim it is part of a wider crackdown on political dissent.

Thiga has further rejected any insinuations that she or her team would bow to political pressure or coercion to join the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). “They will not intimidate us into joining UDA,” she said, boldly distancing the DCP from what she termed government-aligned forces.

In her address, she also had a firm message for elected leaders whom she accused of betraying public trust by siding with state repression.

“You were elected by the people, not to be used against them. We are watching you,” she said, challenging them to uphold democratic values and to stand on the right side of history.

Her words come just days ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba protests,an annual commemoration originally rooted in Kenya’s struggle for multi-party democracy, now revitalized by a younger generation calling for economic reforms, accountability, and protection of civil liberties.