Kiambu, Kenya — Twenty-four individuals suspected of involvement in the destruction of public property during the June 25 protests in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, have been detained for 14 days to allow detectives to complete investigations.
The suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ruiru, following violent demonstrations that coincided with the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that officers obtained a 14-day custodial order to facilitate ongoing investigations.
During the protests, parts of Kikuyu town descended into chaos as demonstrators reportedly torched the Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu Sub-County offices, and vandalised multiple government vehicles, including tractors and tuk-tuks.
Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of two steel windows, a steel door, and a water tank, believed to have been stolen from the County Government’s Physical Planning Offices. The items were discovered abandoned in a bush within the Mai-ii-hii and Kabete areas.
Meanwhile, in Nyeri County, 21 suspects were arraigned in court over similar protest-related offences, including shop breaking, theft, and handling stolen goods.
During the proceedings, 10 of the accused pleaded guilty, with their case scheduled for mention on July 2, 2025, for the reading of facts. The remaining 11 suspects, who denied the charges, were released on a KSh 100,000 bond each. Their case will be mentioned on July 10, 2025.
The DCI has urged the public to exercise restraint during protests and warned that detectives are still pursuing additional leads to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
By Were Kelly
