25 protesters detained for 14 days over Kikuyu violent demos

Twenty-five individuals arrested over the destruction of government property during protests in Kikuyu will remain in custody for 14 days, as police continue investigations into the violent incidents that rocked the town on Wednesday, June 25.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the protests turned violent when demonstrators torched the Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu Sub-County offices, and several government vehicles, including tractors and tuk-tuks.

“As a result, 25 suspects have been arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Ruiru Law Courts. Detectives obtained a 14-day custodial order to complete their investigations," the statement read.

DCI said the arrests followed a probe launched immediately after the chaos erupted in Kikuyu. During the investigations, law enforcement officers recovered several items reported to have been stolen during the demonstrations.

“Additionally, two steel windows, a steel door, and a water tank, all stolen from the County Government's physical planning offices during the protests, were recovered in a bush in the Mai-ii-hii and Kabete areas,” the DCI added.

Efforts to track down other suspects are ongoing, with detectives pursuing leads aimed at apprehending all individuals involved in the destruction and looting.

The National Police Service has also issued a warning to members of the public, urging restraint in any future protests and cautioning that those who engage in criminal acts will face legal consequences.

“The National Police Service urges members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid engaging in destructive behaviour during protests, as such actions will be met with the full force of the law," the statement concluded.

The protests, which took place across the country, affected at least 24 counties and quickly turned chaotic. In Kikuyu town, the damage included public offices and government vehicles, which demonstrators targeted.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is still gathering information regarding the full extent of the destruction and any resulting casualties.

“We are still gathering information about the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. Accountability will be ensured,” Murkomen said.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have said that at least 16 people were killed during the nationwide protests, while government sources have reported 10 deaths.

Authorities reported that 27 national and county government vehicles and 65 privately owned vehicles, including a school bus, were either vandalised or burnt. Many of the damaged vehicles were stationed in police compounds or government premises.

The government has maintained that it will uphold constitutional rights, such as the right to peaceful assembly, but warned that any form of violence or property damage will not be tolerated.

“While peaceful assembly is a constitutional right, violence and lawlessness are criminal acts that will not be tolerated,” the National Police Service said in a statement shared on X.

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