Law enforcement officials have detained 25 demonstrators who are allegedly responsible for the disorder observed in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, during the anniversary protests on Wednesday.
As per a police report, a peaceful march escalated into chaos when a group of troublemakers obstructed the Southern Bypass and the Old Kikuyu Road with stones and ignited bonfires using old vehicle tires.
The police asserted that the individuals were recruited from Limuru and Kiambu Counties and transported to Kikuyu in three lorries.
“As a result, KPS, APS, and DCI collaboratively confronted the rioters, whose numbers swelled to around 10,000. The police were overwhelmed, prompting the SCPC to request additional support from the Kiambu County Headquarters,” the report partially stated.
The clashes between the troublemakers and the police persisted for 30 minutes until the reinforcement team, led by APS County Commander Ismael Ahmed, arrived with both NPS and prison officers from various stations in Kiambu and Murang’a Counties.
The report indicated that the Kikuyu Law Courts, County Government offices, Dagoretti Police Post, and DCC’s office had already been set ablaze.
At the Dagoretti police post, the rioters successfully stole five firearms, which included two AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a Jericho pistol, and an anti-riot gun.
Moreover, the police thwarted an attempt by the rioters to seize five firearms from the Sub-County APS armory. Due to the violence, one individual lost their life, and five officers were injured.
“The rioters transported the body of the deceased to an undisclosed location and later approached the Kikuyu Police Station area around 1800 hours via the link road, abandoning the body at the main gate of the Kikuyu Police Station,” the report states.
According to the police, the confrontation persisted until 10:00 pm when the rioters moved towards the Kikuyu Affordable Housing units and began vandalizing the property. Shortly thereafter, the officers intervened and successfully apprehended four suspects.
In total, law enforcement apprehended 25 individuals involved in the riots and stated that investigations are still in progress to capture the remaining offenders.
