DCI Arrest 14 Suspects In Kisumu, Migori After Gachagua's Warning

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 14 suspects following the violence witnessed in Kisumu and Migori counties, during the Azimio la Umoja demonstrations held on Thursday, March 30.

The DCI reported on Saturday, April 1 that the suspects include two prime suspects who were part of the gang that broke into Jamia Supermarket and made away with goods worth over Ksh5 million.

Isaac Odhiambo and Peter Ochieng were arrested on the morning of Friday, March 31 and foodstuffs including packets of Unga, Sugar, Rice and Tea Leaves suspected to have been stolen from the store recovered.

Scene after a supermarket in Kisumu was looted on March 30, 2023. /CAPITAL BREAKING

"The suspects were arraigned at the Kisumu Law courts under Miscellaneous Application no.E088/2023 and detectives granted 10 days to hold the suspects as investigations into the incident are finalized.

"Meanwhile, the remaining 12 men were rounded up in Suna East after erecting illegal barriers along the Migori- Isebania Highway & Namba-Kakrao bypass, and extorting money from members of the public amounting to Ksh2,645 in coins of 20,10 and notes of 50,100, 200 and 500," stated the DCI.

The 14 who are in custody at Migori police station shall take plea on Tuesday, April 2, 2022.

It was at Jamia Supermarket where Corporal Ben Oduor, a police officer who was stationed at Keroka Police Station in Nyamira County, succumbed to injuries while he was on duty around the supermarket area on March 30.

Oduor was repulsing protesters who broke into the supermarket to loot goods and overwhelmed the officer, viciously descending upon him with kicks and blows. 

The supermarket's proprietor, Hussein Hassan, had blamed the police for not acting swiftly despite making several calls to the OCS. Among the products stolen were rice, cooking oil, sugar, milk, soft drinks and gas.

Confirming the incident, Kisumu County Police Commander Alphonse Wambua told Citizen Digital that the injured officer was rushed to the Aga Khan Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit at around 10 pm but he, unfortunately, passed away while receiving treatment.

Kenyans came together to contribute to restocking the business after the owner sent an emotional message online. As of Saturday, April 1, Kenyans had raided Ksh240,000.

The DCI arrest report comes moments after Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua warned goons taking advantage of the protests to loot and destroy property.

“I want to caution those young men, who have been taking advantage of the violence unleashed by Raila to steal property, mug people and loot property, that Monday (April 3) is their last day to do so," he addressed during a church event in Malava, Kakamega County.

Gachagua also warned Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga of the consequences of continuing the demonstrations, which he said had degenerated into chaos and violence.

“The laws of this country are clear. What Odinga is leading are no longer demonstrations. It is post-election violence, mugging, theft, robbery and robbery with violence. Those are felonists.

“If they care, to look at the penal code, [they would know that] the consequences are extremely heavy. Monday (April 3), the Government of the Republic of Kenya will assert its authority in protecting life and property and upholding the rule of law. I am just giving that caution to those young people that it is not going to be business as usual. It cannot happen, and it will not happen. It is wrong, it is immoral and it is unacceptable," he added.