The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three people believed to have been the main planners behind the violent protests that took place on Tuesday, June 25. The arrests were made following an intelligence-based operation carried out on Friday, June 27.
According to a statement released by the DCI, the three individuals were allegedly involved in mobilising groups of rowdy youths during the protests.
Detectives say that the suspects used social media platforms to coordinate and spread messages that encouraged violence, theft, and destruction of property.
“In a carefully planned operation carried out on Friday, June 27, our officers intercepted and arrested three well-known instigators.
These individuals had used organized communication channels and social media to spread messages that incited violent acts, looting, and destruction,” the DCI statement said.
“Their actions were aimed at creating unrest and undermining the constitutionally protected right of citizens to peacefully demonstrate and picket.”
Investigations revealed that the suspects had boarded a bus headed to Mombasa in an attempt to flee and hide in the coastal region. However, the DCI, acting on forensic intelligence, intercepted the bus at the Konza City area and arrested them before they could escape.
The DCI condemned the suspects, accusing them of intentionally provoking violence that led to injuries and looting during what was supposed to be peaceful demonstrations. They stressed that the trio’s actions went against the spirit of lawful protest and misrepresented the intentions of genuine protesters.
“The DCI strongly denounces the deliberate attempts by these three individuals to cause chaos and incite destruction,” the statement added. “Their actions led to attacks on businesses and left people injured. These are acts of sabotage that contradict the public’s rightful and peaceful expression of their grievances.”
The arrested individuals are expected to be taken to court on Monday. Authorities say they may face several charges, including incitement to violence, malicious damage to property, arson, theft, and encouraging the disobedience of the law.
This development comes just hours after the DCI announced the arrest of 24 more suspects believed to have been involved in burning down government buildings such as the Kikuyu Law Courts and Kikuyu Sub-County offices during the same day’s protests.
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