Neighbours Defend Woman Arrested During Gen Z Protests: “She Was Innocent and At Work”
Residents in Kikuyu have rallied behind Mariam Njeri Ali, arrested over the June 25 protests, insisting she was working and not involved in vandalism. Here’s their plea for her release.
Residents from Kikuyu, Kiambu County, have united online to defend their neighbour, Mariam Njeri Ali, who was arrested in connection with the nationwide protests that swept the country on Wednesday, June 25.
Mariam, only 22 years old, was apprehended by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). She was among 25 suspects accused of vandalising government property, including allegedly setting the Kikuyu Law Courts ablaze.
Her arrest quickly sparked an outpouring of support and appeals from locals who insist she was wrongly accused.
Was Mariam Njeri Protesting?
According to those who know her, Mariam had no involvement in the demonstrations. One neighbour explained in detail what happened the day she was arrested:
“She’s a very mature woman. She has never been involved in anything like destroying property. We have lived with her for years, and she has always been peaceful. She was not protesting. She left a hotel next to her workplace around 1:40 p.m., and she was arrested about 10 minutes later,” they shared.
The neighbour also stressed that, at the time of Mariam’s arrest, the Kikuyu Law Courts had not yet been set on fire.
A man named Derrick Wambugu received and posted a heartfelt plea on Facebook, which read in part:
“This lady is my neighbour. She’s very mature and would never destroy government property. We even have CCTV footage showing her leaving the hotel at exactly 1:40 p.m. The court wasn’t even burning yet. She is 100% innocent. Guys, what can we do when things reach this level?”
Charges and Legal Concerns
Despite these claims, Mariam Njeri has been charged with arson under Section 332 of Kenya’s Penal Code. This offence carries heavy penalties if convicted.
Kenyans React to the Neighbours’ Plea
Her story has since gone viral, sparking mixed reactions and advice online.
✅ Josse Ndungu:
“Your footage evidence might save her fate. Register as a witness in court and don’t forget to request witness protection.”
✅ Gk Prezda:
“That footage is acceptable in court. The challenge is explaining what happened after she left the hotel since the law courts were set on fire later. I hope justice prevails.”
✅ Chebirtabe Lasoi:
“If the hotel had CCTV, her lawyer should retrieve footage showing she was there when the arson happened. It could prove she has no case to answer.”
✅ Ken Jakoduol Snr:
“Let them release the footage. Peer pressure has ruined many young people. I have a cousin who ended up injured after joining protests he didn’t understand.”
✅ David Mutahi:
“I saw another guy arrested at night coming from work. I was spared because I had my job ID. Most of those arrested seem very innocent.”
What Happens Next?
Neighbours are calling on authorities to review the evidence carefully and give Mariam a fair hearing. Many believe her arrest was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
As her case unfolds, Kenyans are watching closely to see whether video evidence and community testimony will clear her name.
