Kenyan police have arrested over 150 suspects and recovered looted goods, firearms, and police gear in a sweeping national crackdown following the violent protests of June 25, 2025. The demonstrations, initially peaceful, quickly descended into chaos, with criminals exploiting the unrest to commit widespread theft, arson, and attacks on police officers and property.
In one of the latest incidents, Luke Nderitu was arrested in Nyeri by Nyeri Central officers and found with stolen items from Naivas Supermarket. The recovered loot includes a washing machine, a 43-inch Vitron television, and a remote control, all confirmed to have been stolen during the unrest.
“The suspect is in custody and undergoing processing pending arraignment,” read a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Coordinated Operations Across Counties
In Embu County, DCI Mbeere South and Kiritiri Police officers arrested Francisca Mwingi and Linda Karimi. The duo was found with a white-water tank with a metal casing, stolen from Kiritiri Market amid the chaos.
Meanwhile, a high-profile operation in Kikuyu and Dagoretti led to the interception of a Nissan matatu, registration KAW 702K, suspected to have ferried rioters from Gachui-Mutuini to Dagoretti Centre.
Four individuals were arrested in this raid:
- Sammy Ndungu Kariuki, alias Ndoji, identified as the chief mobiliser;
- Lawrence Kariuki Ndungu, captured on CCTV holding a stolen police firearm;
- Ali Shama Tabet, alias Alibaba;
- Simon Njoroge Hiuhu, all found with looted goods from various shops.
The group is also accused of stealing police uniforms, assaulting officers, and burning down a police post in Dagoretti.
Arrests in Naivasha and Kiambu
In Maai Mahiu, Naivasha Sub-County, police arrested seven suspects linked to the looting of Transit Hotel. Those detained include:
- Raphael Njagi
- Kelvin Kahuha
- David Kinyanjui
- Susan Njeri Karanja
- Grace Mugure
- Johanna Gichigo
- Joseph Nganga Njambi
Recovered items from the hotel include two curtains, three pillows with pillowcases, a curtain rod, and two large sufurias.
In Kiambu County, 85 suspects have been arraigned at the Thika Law Courts, including 56 from Juja Police Station and 29 from Thika Police Station. One suspect also appeared virtually before the Ruiru Law Courts.
Additional arraignments were reported in:
- Murang’a: 32 suspects
- Ol Kalou: 15 suspects
- Kisii: 10 suspects
- Bungoma: 9 suspects
DCI: More Arrests Expected
DCI noted that the protests, while started as peaceful demonstrations against government policy, were hijacked by criminal gangs who looted businesses, vandalized property, and attacked law enforcement officers. Dozens of suspects have already been presented in court, and further arrests are expected as investigations continue.
“These suspects will face charges ranging from malicious property damage to theft, arson, assault on law enforcement, and unlawful possession of government-issued items,” the statement added.
The police are also working to recover more stolen goods and identify additional suspects captured on video and through witness testimonies.
“This national operation is part of a broader effort to restore law and order after the widespread destruction witnessed during the June 25 protests,” said DCI.
The Road Ahead
Authorities say they are committed to ensuring justice is served and have warned that anyone found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The crackdown continues across Nairobi, Central, and Western Kenya.
