Police Arrest Dozens Over Stolen Fertiliser, Looted Goods During Protests

 

By Faith Chebotip

Authorities have arrested dozens of suspects across various counties in Kenya in connection with theft, looting, and property destruction that occurred during the nationwide protests on June 25.

In Meru County, an intelligence-led police operation in Luluma Village, Makiri area, and Maua Township resulted in the arrest of eight suspects believed to have stolen government-issued fertiliser and other construction materials during the unrest.

According to police, the suspects were found in possession of 63 bags of fertiliser and eight bags of cement. A silver Toyota Probox and three motorcycles, suspected to have been used in transporting the stolen goods, were also impounded during the raids.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, confirmed the arrests and noted that more suspects are being pursued.

In Kilifi County, 14 additional individuals were apprehended in Malindi after forensic investigations linked them to the destruction of property during the same protests. Authorities say surveillance footage and other digital evidence helped identify the suspects.

Elsewhere in Embu County, police reported a separate crackdown that led to the arrest of six suspects on June 28. Among those detained were a 22-year-old, a 19-year-old, and a 45-year-old found in possession of a stolen washing machine.

A 28-year-old man was caught with assorted looted shop items, while a 29-year-old was arrested with bottles of whisky and steel wire, believed to have been taken during the chaos. Another suspect, aged 26, was arrested at Downtown Guest House with an array of stolen electronics and personal items, including two desktop computers, a television set, wristwatches, boots, jackets, jeans, and cables.

All suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court to face various charges related to theft, possession of stolen property, and destruction of public and private assets.

The recent wave of protests—sparked by discontent over governance and economic issues—has seen isolated incidents of looting and violence in some areas, prompting a firm response from security agencies.

Government officials have emphasized the need to uphold law and order while ensuring that citizens’ rights to peaceful protest are protected.

“We are committed to protecting every Kenyan’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly, but we will not tolerate criminal acts disguised as demonstrations,” a government spokesperson said.