The remains of the burnt down Kikuyu Law Courts in Kikuyu Town. Photo: The Judiciary X.
The Directorate of Criminal investigations (DCI), has confirmed the arrest of 24 people involved in the burning of government offices in Kikuyu Town Kiambu County, during the June 25 Anniversary protests.
According to the DCI, the protesters marking the death of their colleagues who died in the 2024 Anti-Finance Bill, burnt down Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu Sub-County Offices, vehicles, tractors and tuk-tuks. The suspects were arraigned on Friday at the Ruiru Law Courts.
“In response to the violence, detectives launched investigations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. As a result, 24 suspects have been arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Ruiru Law Courts,” DCI confirmed.
The 24 arrested suspects will remain in custody for 14 days, pending investigation into the destruction. The Investigative Authority further confirmed the recovery of stolen windows, door and water tank from County Government Department of Planning offices in Kabete and Mai-ii-hii.
“Detectives obtained a 14-day custodial order to complete their investigations. Additionally, two steel windows, a steel door, and a water tank, all stolen from the County Government’s physical planning offices during the protests, were recovered in a bush in the Mai-ii-hii and Kabete areas,” read the statement.
DCI further stated that the crack down is still going on to crackdown the criminals, urging the members of the public to provide any information to the National Police Service (NPS).
“Detectives continue to pursue more leads to hold more suspects accountable for this egregious crime. The National Police Service urges members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid engaging in destructive behaviour during protests, as such actions will be met with the full force of the law,” DCI urged.
Nyeri County, 21 suspects were apprehended and arraigned on charges of shop breaking, stealing and handling stolen goods. Of these, 10 pleaded guilty and their case is set for mention on July 2, 2025, for facts reading. The remaining 11 who pleaded not guilty to the charges were released on Sh100,000 bond with the case coming up for mention on July 10, 2025.
Chief Justice Martha Koome condemned the incident after visiting the scene of Thursday to access the impact of the damage at the courts. Koome said that the freedom of Assembly as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution.
“This right must be exercised peaceably and without arms. It does not extend to acts that cause harm, destroy property, or endanger the lives of others,” she emphasized.
The Ministry of Agriculture through CS Mutahi Kagwe also decried destruction of critical infrastructure, after over 7,300 bags of fertiliser worth KSh 29.5M were stolen from NCPB Depot in Maua, Meru County.
