The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detailed how police officers on a mission to arrest a suspect narrowly escaped mob justice.
In a statement on January 12, the DCI explained that the team comprised detectives from Kirinyaga Central.
The officers conducted an operation that successfully led to the arrest of a suspect, Jackline Gatwiri, linked to robbery with violence and rape.
The Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer had deployed the officers to track down a runaway suspect named in Criminal Case No. 278/33/2024 and Court File No. E381. T
Officers traced the suspect Kiamanyeki area of Mwea East and swiftly moved in to effect the arrest on Sunday, January 12.
However, a rowdy mob gathered and attacked the officers, who were in a government vehicle with registration number KBZ 684Y, threatening to set it on fire if they did not release the suspect.
Local police officers, the area chief, and other leaders arrived at the scene and rescued the officers from the mob.
“Thanks to a backup by the local police, the area chief and Nyumba Kumi heads, who prevailed over the tense situation and facilitated the taking into custody of the dangerous suspect,” DCI said.
DCI Warns Kenyans Against Blocking Police on Duty
The DCI warned the public that obstructing police officers while they perform their constitutional duties is a serious criminal offense.
Further, the Commission emphasized that attempting to aid the escape of a criminal or prisoner is an even graver violation.
Similarly, the DCI stated that posing an imminent threat to the life or property of any individual is unjustifiable under any legal framework.
They added that such actions will be met with the full force of the law.
The DCI confirmed that the suspect is now in custody after the arrests.
Also Read: Tanzanian Activist Abducted in Nairobi Freed
Tanzanian Activists Released
The country has been grappling with several abduction cases, with some human rights activists urging Kenyans to treat the abductors as criminals.
Tanzanian human rights defender and independent media editor Maria Sarungi Tsehai is the latest to be released.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) confirmed that Tsehai was freed on Sunday, January 12, hours after being abducted by armed men in Kilimani, Nairobi.
“I am now safe many thanks to everyone and I will talk more tomorrow,” Tsehai said on her X account after she was released.
Amnesty International Kenya said she was abducted by three armed men in a black Noah at 3.15 pm.
Also Read: DCI Summons CS Justin Muturi
4 Abducted Youth Freed
Besides, Gideon Kibet (Kibet Bull), Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernad Kavuli and Rony Kiplangat were released on Monday, January 6, 2025.
The five were abducted in December 2024 alongside Steve Kavingo who is yet to be found.
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