June 28, 2025 – Nairobi, Kenya – In a swift intelligence-led operation, the DCI Kenya has arrested three key suspects accused of orchestrating the violent protest Nairobi witnessed on June 25, 2025, which left businesses looted, property destroyed, and several people injured.
The DCI boss confirmed the arrests of John Mulingwa Nzau (alias Garang), Mark Amiani (alias Generali), and Francis Mutunge Mwangi (alias Chebukati) in a statement released on Friday. The trio was intercepted aboard a Mombasa-bound bus at Konza City, attempting to flee what the DCI described as a “coastal hideout” to evade justice.
How the DCI Uncovered the Plot
According to detectives, the arrests followed an extensive forensic investigation triggered by testimonies from victims and concerned citizens. The suspects allegedly used coordinated social media campaigns to incite violence, mobilizing goons to disrupt what was initially a peaceful protest against rising living costs.
“Their actions were not just criminal but subversive, undermining the constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” the DCI Kenya statement read. “They exploited genuine public grievances to propagate chaos.”
Violence That Marred the Protest
The June 25 protest began as a lawful demonstration but quickly spiraled into chaos as masked gangs infiltrated the crowds. Several businesses were vandalized, vehicles torched, and innocent bystanders assaulted. Police struggled to contain the situation, leading to widespread condemnation from both authorities and civil society.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing organized groups breaking into shops along Moi Avenue and Tom Mboya Street, making away with electronics and cash. The DCI later established that the violence was premeditated, with the arrested suspects allegedly funding and directing the attacks.
Suspects’ Criminal Profiles
- John Mulingwa Nzau (Garang): A known political agitator with past links to violent demonstrations.
- Mark Amiani (Generali): A social media influencer accused of radicalizing youth into unlawful acts.
- Francis Mutunge Mwangi (Chebukati): A former university student leader with a history of incitement.
Sources within the DCI revealed that the three had been under surveillance for months, with detectives tracking their digital footprints, including encrypted messages coordinating the attacks.
Charges and Legal Action
The suspects will be arraigned in court on Monday, June 30, facing multiple charges, including:
- Malicious damage to property
- Arson
- Stealing
- Incitement to violence
- Disobedience of the law
Legal experts suggest that if convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences, given the severity of the offenses.
Public and Political Reactions
The arrests have drawn mixed reactions. While some Kenyans applauded the DCI for acting swiftly, others questioned whether the suspects were being used as scapegoats to divert attention from underlying economic grievances.
Opposition leaders have demanded transparency, urging the DCI boss to provide concrete evidence linking the trio to the violence. Meanwhile, business owners affected by the looting have called for compensation, blaming lax security for their losses.
DCI’s Warning to Future Protest Instigators
The DCI Kenya issued a stern warning to individuals planning to exploit protests for violence:
“Kenya is a nation of laws. While we respect the right to picket, criminal elements hiding behind protests will face the full force of the law.”
The statement further revealed that more suspects have been identified and are being pursued, signaling that the crackdown is far from over.
Broader Implications for Kenya’s Protest Culture
The June 25 protest and its aftermath have reignited debates on how demonstrations are policed in Kenya. Human rights groups argue that while violent instigators must be punished, the government must also address legitimate public frustrations that fuel such unrest.
Analysts warn that heavy-handed crackdowns without addressing root causes could lead to further instability.
What Next?
As the suspects await trial, all eyes are on the judiciary to deliver a fair process. Meanwhile, security agencies remain on high alert, with intelligence reports suggesting more planned disruptions in coming weeks.
For now, the DCI’s message is clear: inciting violence under the guise of protest will not be tolerated.
