More than 150 individuals have been arraigned in court following a sweeping crackdown targeting looters and criminal elements linked to the violent protests that erupted across the country on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued on July 1, 2025, dozens of suspects have already been presented before various courts across the country, as investigations into the unrest continue to unfold.
In Kiambu County, Thika Law Courts received 85 suspects, 56 of them arrested from Juja Police Station and 29 others from Thika Police Station. Another individual appeared virtually before the Ruiru Law Courts. In Murang’a, Ol Kalou, Kisii, and Bungoma, 32, 15, 10, and 9 suspects, respectively, have also been arraigned.
“As investigations into the violent protests that erupted on June 25, 2025, continue, more suspects have been arraigned. In Thika, Kiambu County, a total of 85 suspects have been presented before the Thika Law Courts, comprising 56 suspects from Juja Police Station and 29 from Thika Police Station,” the statement read in part.
Adding;
“Additionally, in Ruiru, another suspect appeared virtually before the Ruiru Law Courts. Similarly, 32 suspects, 15 suspects,10 suspects, and 9 suspects have been arraigned before the courts in Murang’a, Ol Kalou, Kisii, and Bungoma, respectively.”
The crackdown follows reports that the June 25 protests, which had begun as peaceful demonstrations against government policies, were hijacked by criminals who engaged in looting, arson, and destruction of property in different towns.
Arrests
Authorities have since intensified investigations and are working around the clock to bring those responsible to justice. Security agencies have also managed to recover looted items and detain suspects believed to have played key roles in the chaos.
Among those arrested are two women, who were taken into custody in Mbeere South and Kiritiri Police Station. Police recovered a white water tank encased in metal, which had reportedly been stolen from Kiritiri Market during the violence.
In Nairobi’s Kikuyu and Dagoretti areas, detectives intercepted a Nissan matatu believed to have transported rioters from Gachui-Mutuini to Dagoretti Centre. Inside were four individuals suspected to have been actively involved in the chaos.
The four identified were arrested in connection with the Dagoretti incident. Investigations revealed that Kariuki was caught on CCTV footage carrying a stolen police firearm, while the group was also found with looted goods from various shops. They are accused of stealing firearms and uniforms, attacking police officers, and torching a police post.
In another operation in Maai Mahiu, Naivasha Sub-County, seven suspects were arrested after police recovered items stolen from the Transit Hotel. Among the items retrieved were two curtains, three pillowcases with pillows, a curtain rod, and two large cooking sufurias.
All twenty suspects from the Dagoretti and Naivasha operations are currently in custody and are being processed before their court appearances. They face serious charges including theft, malicious damage to property, arson, and possession of stolen firearms and police uniforms.
DCI officials have said that investigations are still ongoing and more arrests are expected in the coming days. They emphasised that the intensity of the operation underscores the government’s commitment to restoring order and holding perpetrators accountable.
The public has been urged to cooperate with authorities by sharing any information they may have concerning individuals involved in the protests and related criminal activities.
