Following the Monday anti-government protest aimed at pressuring the government to lower commodity prices, among other demands, organized by Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga, the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) launched a manhunt on Friday morning for individuals responsible for the chaos and violence witnessed.
DCI stated on their Twitter account, where they released images of the suspects, that they used the protest to destroy property and interfere with the police’s duty to protect citizens’ lives without being aware that they were being recorded.
“Criminals who took advantage of the demonstrations were captured on camera destroying public property, attacking innocent members of the public, and hurling projectiles at police officers who were on duty protecting life and property,” DCI said.
They added stating that as a result of the chaotic demonstrations, properties were destroyed, and 33 police officers were injured and admitted to various hospitals, with others still recovering, and that a firearm was reported lost during the protest.
“As a result, property of unknown value was destroyed, and 33 officers were injured to varying degrees, with some still recovering at various hospitals throughout the city. One of our officers also lost a firearm with a magazine loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition after being attacked by a gang of a well-coordinated riotous mob while preventing the destruction of public property in the Embakasi area of Nairobi county,” Added DCI.
They accorded the right to picket in accordance with the constitution, but not to the extent of destroying public property and endangering the lives of its citizens, urging the public with relevant information on the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward, stating that the criminals will face charges ranging from property destruction to violence, among other things.
“Our constitution guarantees the right to assemble, picket, and petition; however, these rights must be exercised with civility and must not infringe on the rights of others.” The suspects will face charges including robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property, and assault, among other allied offences,” DCI wrote.
