DCI Arrests Suspects Behind Ksh29M Fertiliser Looting During June 25 Protests
Police officers have arrested eight individuals suspected of looting a government cereal store and making away with fertiliser worth more than Ksh29 million. The theft reportedly took place during the nationwide protests held on June 25.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the arrests were made after a well-coordinated intelligence operation carried out in Luluma Village, Makiri area, and Maua Township.
The operation was led by officers from Igembe South Sub-County, and it resulted in the capture of the suspects along with the recovery of 63 bags of government fertiliser that had been stolen during the chaos.
In the course of the operation, officers also impounded a silver Probox vehicle and three motorcycles. These vehicles are believed to have been used to ferry the stolen goods from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot.
“The operation also resulted in the seizure of a motor vehicle, a silver Probox—registration number withheld—and three motorcycles, suspected to have transported the stolen items. Additionally, police recovered eight bags of cement and several bags of the stolen fertiliser,” the police report read partly.
Speaking on Friday, June 27, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed the reports of vandalism, stating that the NCPB stores had been broken into and fertiliser worth over Ksh29 million looted. He expressed serious concern, describing the incident as a major threat to the country’s food security.
“This act of vandalism and looting is a direct attack on Kenya’s food security,” Kagwe said, emphasizing that the stolen fertiliser was meant to support farmers during the ongoing crucial planting season.
Videos obtained by Newshub.co.ke from the day of the protests show people carrying bags of fertiliser from the government depot, seemingly taking advantage of the disorder. Some clips even showed part of the depot being set on fire, with no law enforcement officers in sight as the situation escalated into chaos.
In another related case, police in Malindi, Kilifi County, arrested 14 suspects after forensic investigations linked them to acts of vandalism and property destruction that took place during the same protests.
Currently, all the suspects are being held in police custody as investigations continue. They are expected to face charges soon, and the police have confirmed they are pursuing more leads to arrest other individuals involved and recover more looted property.
Additionally, over the weekend, the DCI arrested more than ten individuals suspected of taking part in acts of violence and destruction of property during the June 25 demonstrations.
However, the recent wave of arrests has sparked criticism from human rights organisations. On Monday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) released a statement accusing authorities of detaining some individuals on what they termed as trumped-up charges.
The commission called for their immediate and unconditional release, expressing concern over what they described as a violation of civil liberties.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served while respecting human rights.
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