DCI recovers AK-47 stolen during Gen Z protests in Dagoretti

Dagoretti Police Post in ruins after being set ablaze during Gen Z protests on June 25, 2025. PHOTO/@NPSOfficial_KE/X

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the recovery of one of the five firearms stolen during the violent Gen Z protests that rocked Kikuyu and Dagoretti on June 25, 2025.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, June 28, 2025, the DCI announced that officers from the National Police Service (NPS) based at Kabete Police Station had recovered an AK-47 rifle, which was among the weapons looted from Dagoretti Police Post.

“Officers from the National Police Service based at Kabete Police Station have recovered an AK 47 rifle stolen from Dagoretti Police Post during the June 25, 2025 demonstrations,” the statement read.

According to the DCI, the recovery followed a tip-off about a suspicious individual carrying a bulging bag at Gravity Bar in the Gahui area. Officers responded quickly and, using forensic leads, identified the suspect.

“The trail led officers to the suspect’s residence in Njuki-Kirigu area. But upon spotting them, he vanished without a trace,” the statement said.

Statement form the DCI posted on X. PHOTO/ A screengrab by K24 Digital
Statement form the DCI posted on X. PHOTO/ A screengrab by K24 Digital

Stolen rifle recovery efforts

A search of the suspect’s home, carried out in the presence of his mother, uncovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, and a single round of 7.62mm special ammunition. The DCI confirmed the items had been stolen from the Dagoretti Police Post during the chaos.

A manhunt is currently underway as detectives pursue new leads.

“Investigators are working round the clock to bring the fugitive to justice,” added the DCI.

This development follows Wednesday’s violent protests, where at least 25 individuals were arrested. A police report stated that what began as a peaceful demonstration quickly turned violent after a group of hired goons blocked roads and set bonfires.

The rioters reportedly overpowered the officers on duty and torched several public offices, including the Dagoretti Police Post. During the melee, five firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a Jericho pistol, and an anti-riot gun, were stolen.

The DCI has urged members of the public to provide any information that may assist in recovering the remaining weapons and apprehending the suspects involved.

“Public vigilance remains key in helping us ensure the safety and security of all,” the DCI stated.

Kenneth Mwenda

Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].

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