Law enforcement agencies have stepped up a nationwide crackdown to apprehend suspects involved in looting, destruction, and violence during the June 25 protests, with a wave of arrests and property recovery taking place across multiple counties.
In Mbeere South, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and officers from Kiritiri Police Station arrested Francisca Mwingi and Linda Karimi.
The two were found in possession of a white-water tank with a metal casing — reportedly stolen from Kiritiri Market during the protests.
Meanwhile, in Nairobi’s Kikuyu and Dagoretti areas, a targeted operation led to the impounding of a Nissan matatu, registration number KAW 702K.
Authorities believe the vehicle was used to transport organized groups from Gachui-Mutuini to Dagoretti Centre, where a police post was torched, officers were assaulted, and police gear, including firearms and uniforms, was looted.
Four suspects — Sammy Ndungu Kariuki, alias Ndoji, alleged to be the group’s main mobilizer; Lawrence Kariuki Ndungu, linked to a stolen firearm through CCTV footage; Ali Shama Tabet, alias Alibaba; and Simon Njoroge Hiuhu — were arrested in connection with the incident. Stolen merchandise from local businesses was recovered in their possession.
In Maai Mahiu, Naivasha Sub-County, seven suspects were taken into custody after investigators recovered stolen household items from the Transit Hotel, including curtains, sufurias, and bedding. Those arrested include Raphael Njagi, Kelvin Kahuha, David Kinyanjui, Susan Njeri Karanja, Grace Mugure, Johanna Gichigo, and Joseph Nganga Njambi.
The suspects are expected to face charges ranging from theft and handling stolen property to arson and assault. Authorities say more arrests are imminent as investigations intensify.
The Ministry of Interior reiterated that while the right to protest is protected, criminal acts masquerading as activism will be met with the full force of the law.
