TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

What began as a national day of remembrance spiralled into chaos in Kiambu county, where peaceful demonstrations were overtaken by violence, vandalism, and destruction.

On Wednesday, June 25, Kenyans took to the streets in various towns to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which claimed over 60 lives.

In Kiambu, youthful demonstrators were part of those who marched in solidarity, but the protests soon turned ugly.

Shops were closed, and smoke filled the air after protesters torched the Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu sub-county offices, and several government-owned assets, including vehicles, tuk-tuks and tractors.

What was meant to be a peaceful show of unity and remembrance ended in destruction, prompting action from authorities.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) moved quickly to investigate the mayhem.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the agency announced that 25 suspects had been arrested and arraigned in court in connection with the violence.

“In response to the violence, detectives launched investigations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. As a result, 25 suspects have been arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Ruiru Law Courts,” the DCI stated.

The detectives successfully obtained a 14-day custodial order to detain the suspects as they continue piecing together the details surrounding the destruction.

During their follow-up operations, officers made a significant breakthrough by recovering some of the property that had been stolen.

“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,” added the DCI.

The agency noted that investigations are ongoing, and they are pursuing more leads to identify others involved in the incident.

The DCI also appealed to the public to maintain peace during demonstrations and warned that unlawful acts would not be tolerated.

“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 added.

In a related story, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence and destruction witnessed during the protests.

While touring Nairobi Central Business District, Murkomen said many small-scale traders had suffered major losses, with businesses and livelihoods destroyed by what he termed organised criminal elements.

According to Murkomen, the peaceful demonstrations were hijacked by gangs who were well-coordinated, funded, and aimed at destabilising the government.

Murkomen further revealed that the DCI had launched investigations into the suspected financiers behind the unrest.

Source: TUKO.co.ke