The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its crackdown on suspects involved in the looting and arson incidents at Chieni supermarkets in Nyeri and Nanyuki.
On Thursday, four additional suspects were apprehended as part of the ongoing investigation into the widespread destruction and theft that occurred during the nationwide protests on June 25.
The DCI reported that the suspects, ranging in age from 24 to 41, were found in various hideouts across Nanyuki, with some still in possession of stolen goods.
Among the apprehended individuals is Chris Wamuhu, 24, who was arrested at a rental house. Police found him in possession of a Hisense fridge, a Uken water dispenser, coffee cups, teaspoons, hotpot dishes, and Luminarc plates. Wamuhu’s involvement was confirmed through phone recordings that captured him in the act of stealing from Chieni Supermarkets.
Another suspect, Moses Gachwe, 30, was found in a house near Kengeles club in Nanyuki with 22 pairs of khaki trousers, nine T-shirts, 24 undergarments (boxers), and sandals. The stolen clothing items are believed to have been taken during the chaos that ensued during the protests.
Charles Kaariri Mumbi, 35, was arrested in the outskirts of Nanyuki at Asian Quarters, where police recovered a junior ride bike from his residence. Additionally, John Ndirangu Ndirirtu, 41, was found in possession of six vacuum flasks, a shopping trolley, an LG fridge, and several Luminarc plates and cups.
The DCI has indicated that several other suspects are already in custody, and efforts are underway to track down and apprehend more individuals involved in the looting and arson incidents. Police are also continuing their efforts to recover additional stolen goods.
These arrests follow a spate of violent demonstrations that saw Chieni supermarkets in both Nyeri and Nanyuki looted and set ablaze. The stolen goods, which include washing machines, refrigerators, water dispensers, bicycles, kitchenware, food items, and clothing, have been gradually recovered as the investigation progresses.
