The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has kicked off a big enforcement sweep and says they have confirmed the arrest of 710 people nationwide after violent demonstrations that were somehow triggered by the recent fuel price hikes.
In a statement put out on Tuesday, the investigative agency noted that Rift Valley has recorded the highest number of arrests, with 259 suspects taken into custody. Nairobi comes next with 189 arrests, while the central and eastern regions logged 142 and 103 detentions, respectively. The Western and Coast regions added up to 17 arrests in total.
The DCI also issued an urgent warning to the public, stressing a clear boundary between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the criminal behavior that was observed during the protests. The agency pointed to reports that were described as widespread, including looting, arson, destruction of property, and violent clashes involving law enforcement officers, as the key reason behind the rising number of arrests.
“No one is above the law. Individuals organizing, financing, inciting, or participating in criminal acts will face the full force of the law,” the DCI statement read. It added that freedom of expression still stands protected, but the government will not tolerate sabotage aimed at public infrastructure or anything that risks lives.
A number of those arrested have already been taken to court to answer different criminal charges. Investigators say they are still working on the ground, following up on people believed to be provoking violence or directing the systematic destruction that was seen across several major urban centers.
Security agencies have asked citizens to keep calm and cooperate with the authorities, noting that the government is under growing pressure to tackle the economic instability that, in their view, helped fuel the unrest.
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