Police in Meru County have arrested three persons of interest linked to the arson attack that gutted Magunas Supermarket on July 7, 2025.
The supermarket was looted and torched during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.
The well-coordinated operation by the detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) led to the capture of Ian Mugambi, Abdulatif Murithi, and Teddy Kaimenyi.
According to a statement by the DCI, the trio were captured on CCTV cameras looting and setting fire to Magunas Supermarket.
“The footage also showed them breaking into and stealing from the Seven Eleven Lounge and Selelite Supermarket during the same night of chaos,” read the statement released on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
During the arrests, the police recovered a dark green motorcycle believed to have been used to commit the crimes.
“The suspects are now in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment,” the DCI said.
“Law enforcement officers remain relentless in their pursuit of additional suspects involved in the attacks.”
The July 7 incident left major property damage and disrupted business in Meru town. Police say investigations are ongoing, with further arrests expected.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the attacks to come forward.
Economic deluge
Elsewhere, Security officers in Kagio, Kirinyaga County, on Thursday, 10, 2025, arrested nine persons of interest and recovered assorted looted property following a targeted operation.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted across various estates in Kagio town and its outskirts after a report was filed at Kagio Police Station.
Among the items recovered were high-value electronics, including a 50-inch LG television, a washing machine, a power backup unit, a CPU, and a monitor. Officers also seized household goods such as three glass tables, two mattresses, detergents, perfumes, and foodstuffs during the operation.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicated that the items were stolen from County Supermarket and Cash-Cash Club during the recent Saba Saba protests.
The nine persons of interest have been arraigned in court.
Police said investigations are ongoing to trace more suspects and recover additional stolen goods.
The National Police Service warned the public against looting, vandalism, and destruction of property during demonstrations.
“The service remains vigilant and committed to protecting life and property across the country,” police warned.
