June 29, 2025 – Kenyan authorities have intensified their crackdown on individuals involved in the looting and destruction that erupted during the chaotic nationwide protests held on June 25, 2025. In a coordinated multi-agency operation, detectives drawn from various police units have arrested several suspects and recovered stolen property and critical evidence, including police gear and firearms.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers from Mbeere South, in conjunction with personnel from Kiritiri Police Station, made a breakthrough on Wednesday when they arrested Francisca Mwingi and Linda Karimi. The duo is accused of looting from Kiritiri Market, where businesses suffered heavy losses during the demonstrations. Among the items recovered from the suspects was a white water tank encased in metal, believed to have been looted amid the chaos.
Authorities say the arrests are part of a broader effort to identify and prosecute those who exploited the unrest to commit acts of theft, vandalism, and violence. “We are pursuing every lead. The arrests made so far are just the beginning,” said an officer involved in the operation, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Matatu Used to Ferry Rioters Impounded
In a separate but connected operation conducted in Kikuyu and Dagoretti, police intercepted a Nissan matatu with registration number KAW 702K, which investigators believe was used to ferry demonstrators from Gachui-Mutuini to Dagoretti Centre.
According to preliminary reports, individuals transported in the vehicle are suspected of carrying out a series of violent acts, including stealing police firearms and uniforms, assaulting officers, and setting ablaze a local Police Post—an incident that has drawn widespread condemnation and triggered an internal security alert.
Four suspects have since been arrested in connection with the Dagoretti violence. Among them is Sammy Ndungu Kariuki, alias Ndoji, identified by detectives as a key mobiliser of the gang that wreaked havoc during the protests. His accomplice, Lawrence Kariuki Ndungu, was captured on CCTV wielding what investigators believe to be a stolen police firearm.
The two were arrested alongside Ali Shama Tabet, commonly known as Alibaba, and Simon Njoroge Hiuhu, both of whom were found in possession of assorted goods believed to have been stolen from retail shops during the looting spree.
Police sources indicate that further forensic analysis of CCTV footage and mobile communication data is ongoing to link the suspects to specific incidents and identify other individuals involved.
Arrests in Naivasha as Stolen Hotel Property Recovered
Meanwhile, in Maai Mahiu, located in Naivasha Sub-County, seven additional suspects were apprehended in connection with the ransacking of Transit Hotel, a popular local establishment that suffered property losses during the protests.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Raphael Njagi, Kelvin Kahuha, David Kinyanjui, Susan Njeri Karanja, Grace Mugure, Johanna Gichigo, and Joseph Nganga Njambi. Police recovered several items believed to have been stolen from the hotel, including two curtains, three pillows with pillowcases, a curtain rod, and two large sufurias.
“This may seem like minor property, but every item stolen contributes to the larger criminal enterprise that capitalised on the day’s unrest,” said a DCI officer leading investigations in Naivasha.
Suspects to Face Arson, Theft, and Vandalism Charges
The suspects arrested across Mbeere South, Dagoretti, and Naivasha are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court in the coming days. They face multiple charges ranging from theft and possession of stolen property to malicious damage, assaulting law enforcement, and arson.
DCI officers have stated that the crackdown is far from over, noting that more suspects are likely to be apprehended in the coming days. The operation is being carried out with the support of forensic analysts, CCTV surveillance experts, and digital crime units, who are meticulously reviewing video footage, social media activity, and mobile phone records to trace more looters and organisers of the unrest.
National Police Service Calls for Public Cooperation
In the wake of the violence and ongoing investigations, the National Police Service has appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that could aid in the arrest of more suspects or recovery of stolen property.
“The safety and stability of our communities depend on the rule of law. We urge Kenyans to remain vigilant and support efforts to hold accountable those who chose violence over peaceful expression,” read a statement issued by the police on Saturday.
As investigations continue, the government has reiterated its commitment to restoring public order and ensuring that individuals who took advantage of a national crisis to loot and destroy property are brought to justice. Authorities have also pledged support for affected business owners and institutions as part of broader recovery efforts.
