At least 22 suspects have been arrested and over 60 bags of stolen government fertiliser recovered in a coordinated crackdown following the June 25 anti-government demonstrations, authorities said.
The operation, which took place in Luluma Village, Makiri area, and Maua Township in Igembe South Sub-County, was led by law enforcement officers acting on intelligence. Eight suspects were arrested, and 63 bags of government-subsidised fertiliser—allegedly stolen during the protests—were seized.
Also impounded during the swoop were a silver Toyota Probox (registration number KCW 822T) and three motorcycles believed to have been used to transport the stolen goods. Officers further recovered eight bags of cement suspected to have been looted during the same period.
The fertiliser, part of the national subsidy programme aimed at cushioning farmers from rising input costs, had gone missing in the aftermath of the demonstrations that turned violent in some parts of the country.
In a separate operation in Malindi, Kilifi County, 14 additional suspects were apprehended following forensic investigations that linked them to acts of vandalism during the same protests. Authorities say the suspects were involved in damage to private and public property and are now in custody awaiting arraignment.
“These operations are part of ongoing efforts to restore order and ensure stolen property is recovered,” said a police spokesperson. “Investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.”
The demonstrations, largely driven by the Gen Z-led protest movement against the Finance Bill 2025, saw widespread unrest across the country, with several incidents of looting, arson, and destruction of infrastructure.
Security agencies have vowed to intensify operations targeting those behind the looting, while reaffirming their commitment to upholding law and order during this volatile period.
