Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has confirmed she is actively spearheading a fundraising campaign and offering pro bono legal services to dozens of Gen-Z protesters who remain in custody following the June 25 and July 7 (Saba Saba) anti-government demonstrations across Kenya.
Her initiative aims to secure the release of young Kenyans held in maximum-security prisons, many of whom, she says, were arrested while walking home from work or school, and remain behind bars due to an inability to raise bail.
“Over 100 Gen-Zs already admitted to bail or bond terms are still behind bars simply because their families cannot raise the money,” Maina stated on Saturday.
Nearly KSh1 Million Raised So Far
As of 2 p.m. Saturday, Maina reported that the initiative had raised KSh997,527 from both local and diaspora contributors. The campaign, which relies on a single verified till number and mobile payment line, comes amid fraud warnings issued by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
“Please note that the said fundraising drive is not being conducted and or endorsed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) National Office,” the LSK clarified in an official statement, urging Kenyans to verify all donation appeals.
In response, Maina reaffirmed the legitimacy and transparency of her initiative via social media:
“We are ONLY raising funds through a till number and number for Kenyans and the diaspora,” she wrote, dismissing any ties to the LSK-led efforts and warning of impersonators.
Daily Court Attendance and Legal Aid for Over 150 Youths
The MP also revealed that she has provided legal representation to over 150 Gen-Zs across several counties, most of them arrested without clear cause. She described her commitment as physically and emotionally taxing but driven by duty:
“I’ve camped at Kahawa Law Courts over the past two weeks, attending court almost daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., mostly on my feet with only a 5–10 minute break. It is a duty, borne out of a commitment to serve and protect the constitution.”
Terror Charges and Use of Anti-Terrorism Courts Criticized
Maina expressed alarm at the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) against peaceful protesters, saying some youths have been charged under terrorism laws that allow detention without trial for up to 360 days.
“It is an attempt to criminalize young people’s dissent and deter any future attempt to exercise Article 37,” she warned, referencing Kenya’s constitutional right to peaceful protest.
She criticized the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for routinely applying to detain suspects for 14 to 30 days, and questioned the appropriation of Kahawa Law Courts, a special anti-terror court set up with international assistance, for protest-related cases.
“This bypasses local courts and overburdens a system meant for high-profile terrorism cases,” she argued.
Gen-Z Protesters Held in Maximum-Security Prisons
Maina also condemned the remand of Gen-Z detainees in maximum-security facilities, where they face harsh conditions, limited family access, and risk being housed alongside convicted criminals.
“These are underprivileged youths, some of whom have bail set at KSh50,000 to KSh300,000, yet remain imprisoned due to poverty,” she said.
Her legal and advocacy work has drawn widespread support on social media, especially from young Kenyans who see her as a rare political ally standing up for constitutional rights and access to justice in the wake of police crackdowns on peaceful dissent.
