DCI Gives Protestors Captured On Camera Ultimatum To Surrender

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Friday, March 24 launched Investigations into acts of violence that were committed by criminals during the illegal demonstrations held on March 20, 2023. 

The DCI stated that the criminals who took advantage of the demonstrations were captured on camera destroying public property, attacking innocent members of the public and hurling projectiles at police officers who were on duty protecting life and property. 

As a result, property of unknown value was destroyed while a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees and some are still recuperating at various hospitals in the city.

Protestors engaging police in battles during the Monday, March 20 protests. /DCI

DCI named one case whereby a gun loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm calibre assigned to one of the officers went missing.

"A firearm whose magazine was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm calibre was also lost by one of our officers after he was attacked by a gang of a well-coordinated riotous mob, as the officers prevented the destruction of public property in Embakasi area of Nairobi County," stated the DCI in part.

The sleuths cautioned members of the public that while the right to assemble, picket and petition is enshrined in our constitution, these rights should be exercised with civility and should not infringe on the rights of others.

While announcing that the suspects captured on camera will be subjected to an array of charges, the DCI appealed to members of the public to provide information leading to their arrest.

"Meanwhile, the Directorate is currently on a manhunt for the suspects whose images appear below as others are being gathered and shall be updated, who will face charges ranging from robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property and assault among other allied offences.

"Alternatively, the suspects are requested to present themselves at the Serious Crimes offices based at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road or at their nearest police station before close of business today (5pm) for further action," added the DCI.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Tuesday, March 21 revealed that police officers used force gradually beginning with the lowest threshold which is show-off force and barely reinforced by water cannons and lobbying teargas canisters to prevent the protestors from accessing central business districts of Nairobi and Kisumu, as well as protected areas, to prevent further damage.

However, despite their restraint and action within the law as well as effectively containing the situation, Koome exposed rioters who attacked Maseno Police Station in chaotic scenes culminating in the killing of one male third-year student at Maseno University by the police officers, who used live bullets to disperse the rowdy youths and other protesters who had overpowered them. 

IG Koome also condemned the unwarranted violence that was meted out against the officers discharging their official duties. He went on to reveal that a total of 31 police officers were injured during the protests.

"We wish to inform the public that during yesterday's demonstrations, we arrested 25 people, while 7 Officers were injured in Nyanza; while in Nairobi, 10 Police Vehicles were damaged, 24 Officers were injured while persons arrested were 213," he went on.

A photo of some of the police water cannon trucks used on March 20, 2023, mounted on a police water cannon truck. /RAILA ODINGA