Police in Nyeri and Laikipia counties have arrested several suspects and recovered a variety of stolen goods in connection with the recent arson and looting of Chieni Supermarket in Nyeri and Nanyuki.
Among the items recovered were washing machines, refrigerators, water dispensers, bicycles, kitchenware, food items, and clothing.
In Nanyuki, police apprehended 24-year-old Chris Nduni Wamuhu at a rental house.
Wamuhu was found with a stolen Hisense fridge, Uken water dispenser, coffee cups, teaspoons, hotpot dishes, and luminarc plates.
At another residence near Kengeles Club, 30-year-old Moses Njuguna Gachwe was found with 22 pairs of khaki trousers, nine T-shirts, 24 boxers, and sandals, all reportedly stolen during the demonstrations.
Chieni Supermarket Arrests
Additionally, in the Asian Quarters on the outskirts of Nanyuki, 35-year-old Charles Kaariri Mumbi was arrested with a junior ride bike, while John Ndirangu Ndiritu, 41, was found with six vacuum flasks, a shopping trolley, an LG fridge, and several luminarc plates and cups.
According to a statement by the Directorate, the goods were recovered in an operation aided by members of the public which included circulation of images recorded from the scene of suspects carrying away their loot.
The goods which were stole during the anti-finance bill 2024 protests still contained the serial barcodes from the supermarket hence enabling the police to easily identify goods from the looted supermarket.
DCI added that several other suspects have so far been arrested and more recoveries made, as police continue investigations to nab other identifiable persons captured igniting the fire and disappearing with stolen goods.
Police Investigations on Criminals
This arrest comes after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) gave an update on the progress of investigations to identify and arrest the ‘criminals’ who hijacked anti-finance bill protests.
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In a statement dated July 1, DCI said groups with criminal minds took advantage of the nationwide peaceful protests organized by Kenyan youth (Gen Z) and devised schemes to cause harm and economically frustrate fellow Kenyans.
“Posing as demonstrators, the bad elements who were also well-organized earmarked several business premises including boutiques, electronic shops and supermarkets, breaking in and massively looting to the detriment of innocent business owners,” DCI said.
DCI explained that it is within its mandate as a criminal investigative agency to investigate and bring to book any persons involved in such outright criminality.
List of Wanted men
On 3rd July 2024, The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) published photos of individuals wanted for their involvement in unlawful activities during the recent Anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
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The DCI urged the published suspects to surrender to the nearest police station for further police action.
Additionally, President Ruto had also assured Citizens that the government will punish the ‘criminals’ who took advantage of the protests to invade Parliament buildings, burn government offices, and loot private businesses.
“Some people mixed with them. Those who stormed and burnt Parliament are not these young people; those are criminals. We will look for them, they can’t escape. You cannot destroy government property,” he said.
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