Kikuyu town unrest: 25 arrested over Wednesday violence

Chief Justice Martha Koome inspects Kikuyu Law Courts following Wednesday’s protests that led to the building being set ablaze. /HANDOUT

At least 25 suspects have been arrested in connection with the violent riots and looting that rocked Kikuyu town in Kiambu county during nationwide protests on Wednesday.

According to police, the protests, which were meant to commemorate last year's historic demonstrations, turned destructive in multiple locations, including Kikuyu town where protesters torched key government installations.

Among the targets were the Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu subcounty offices, and several government vehicles including tractors and tuk-tuks.

In the aftermath, detectives launched a widespread investigation aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice.

The 25 suspects were apprehended and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Ruiru Law Courts, where investigators successfully obtained a 14-day custodial order to complete their inquiries.

In a related operation, detectives recovered stolen property from the county government’s physical planning offices.

The National Police Service (NPS) urged the public to exercise restraint during protests and warned that any acts of violence or destruction of property will be met with "the full force of the law."

“While peaceful assembly is a constitutional right, violence and lawlessness are criminal acts that will not be tolerated,” police said in a statement on X.

Nationwide, the protests erupted across at least 24 counties and quickly devolved into chaos, with reports of looting, arson, and attacks on public and police infrastructure.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that investigations into the full extent of the damage and casualties are ongoing.

“We are still gathering information about the circumstances surrounding these tragic events. Accountability will be ensured,” Murkomen said.

Rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have reported that at least 16 people were killed in the protests.

Government sources have placed the number at 10.

Damages include 27 national and county government vehicles and 65 privately owned vehicles, including a school bus, many of which were burned at police stations and government compounds.

The government has reiterated its commitment to restoring law and order while safeguarding constitutional freedoms.