MP Njeri Maina, the Kirinyaga Woman Representative, has confirmed she is leading a fundraising campaign and providing free legal assistance to Gen‑Z protesters detained after the June 25 and July 7 “Saba Saba” demonstrations. Many remain in custody because their families cannot afford bail.
Maina’s efforts follow a warning from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) cautioning the public about fake fundraisers falsely claiming LSK support. The society clarified it is not involved or endorsing any such initiative and urged donors to verify before giving.
Maina took to social media to confirm her official and transparent fundraising, saying:
“We are ONLY raising funds through the till number and details provided—for Kenyans and the diaspora.”
By 2 p.m. on Saturday, the drive had raised KSh 997,527 from local and international supporters.
In addition to bail support, Maina has offered pro bono legal services to over 150 Gen‑Z detainees, many arrested while simply going about their daily lives. She has been present nearly every day at Kahawa Law Courts from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., working tirelessly to defend their rights.
Maina expressed deep concern over the government’s decision to charge young protesters under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA)—which allows detention without trial for up to 360 days. She criticized the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for seeking initial detention periods of 14, 21, or even 30 days without trial, saying:
“This is an attempt to criminalize young people’s dissent and discourage future protests under Article 37.”
The MP also condemned the use of Kahawa Law Courts, a high-security anti-terror court, for similar protest cases, warning that this misuse burdens a system meant for serious terrorism charges. She further criticized the incarceration of youths in maximum-security prisons, which restricts family access, exposes them to hardened criminals, and amounts to cruel punishment—especially for those unable to afford bail ranging from KSh 50,000 to KSh 300,000.
“Over 100 Gen‑Zs already admitted to bail or bond terms are still behind bars simply because their families cannot raise the money.”
