The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has released facial images of 38 individuals suspected of engaging in acts of lawlessness during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
The civil disobedience was initially peaceful but degenerated into anarchy after suspected goons infiltrated the Gen Z protests and went on a vandalism and looting spree.
Shops, supermarkets, restaurants and business stalls have borne the brunt of the criminal acts perpetrated by marauding gangs of individuals disguised as demonstrators.
The protests held on Tuesday, June 25 and July 2 witnessed the worst acts of vandalism, muggings and torching of business premises and vehicles in major towns like Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisii.
While releasing the faces of the 38 suspects, the DCI asked members of the public to channel information that could help lead to their arrest via the Fichua Kwa DCI hotline number 0800-7222-03.
Information can also be relayed via police hotline number 999, 911 or 112, the DCI said.
“The individuals whose images/photos appear below are wanted by the police for their unlawful activities during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations. We therefore advise them to report to the nearest police station for further police action,” DCI said.
During a media roundtable on Sunday, President William Ruto said police would not interfere with peaceful demonstrators but the tide would turn against any criminal elements out to orchestrate anarchy.
“First, the Kenya Defence Forces will not be on the street, they only come as a last resort. If the demonstrations will be peaceful, I promise you the police will be there to protect the demonstrators,” he said.
“But, the police will also be there to make sure that the criminals; the fellows who come to burn offices, loot property will also be dealt with. That is my commitment, we must all operate within the law and that is what it is.”
On Tuesday, the DCI said detectives had been dispatched to go after individuals captured on camera taking advantage of the ongoing demonstrations to mug pedestrians.
“Anyone involved in the criminal activities is reminded that it is just a matter of time before the long arm of the law catches up with them, and that their felonious acts shall be met with the full force of the law,” the DCI said.
Meanwhile, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki in a separate statement said the government is determined to stop the “dangerous criminal gangs at whatever cost”.
“The organisers of today’s orgy of violence in parts of Nairobi, Mombasa and several other parts of the country are reportedly planning to repeat their anarchic chaos and cruel plunder on Thursday and Sunday this week, and perhaps much more frequently in the future,” he said.
“The government is determined to stop criminals aiming to terrorise the public and harm Kenya, notwithstanding attempts to politicise crime,” he added.
The CS commended the police for exercising restraint in the face of extremely provocative situations that arose in the course of the violent riots.
He assured that any claims of instances of unlawful conduct by law enforcement officers will be investigated and appropriate action taken.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said on Monday at least 39 people lost their lives and 361 others got injured since the beginning of the nationwide anti-Finance Bill protests.
The President on Sunday put the figure at 19.
Source: theStars .co.ke
Original writer: [email protected] (EMMANUEL WANJALA)