Kagio police arrest 9, recover looted goods from Saba Saba demos

Security officers in Kagio, Kirinyaga County, have arrested nine suspects and recovered assorted looted property following a targeted operation.

The intelligence-led operation was conducted across various estates in Kagio town and its outskirts, after a report was filed at Kagio Police Station.

Among the items recovered were high-value electronics, including a 50-inch LG television, a washing machine, a power backup unit, a CPU, and a monitor.

Officers also seized household goods such as three glass tables, two mattresses, detergents, perfumes, and foodstuffs during the operation.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the items were stolen from County Supermarket and Cash-Cash Club during the recent Saba Saba protests.

The nine suspects are currently in custody and are set to be arraigned in court.

Police say investigations are ongoing to trace more suspects and recover additional stolen goods.

The National Police Service has warned the public against looting, vandalism, and destruction of property during demonstrations.

“The Service remains vigilant and committed to protecting life and property across the country,” NPS warned.

The arrest of the nine is part of the ongoing probe by the police into those who engaged in the destruction of property during the recent protests.

The protests rocked various towns in parts of Mt Kenya region.

Last week, police in Nyeri arrested 21 people in connection with the June 25 protests.

A Magistrate Court in Nyeri granted 20 suspects accused of looting Naivas Supermarket during the June 25 demonstrations the option of a cash bail.

The 21 suspects, who include 10 women, were arraigned in court on Friday, June 27.

Whereas 11 of them pleaded guilty to the offence of stealing and an alternate charge of handling stolen items, the remaining 10 denied the charge and were granted a Sh100,000 bond without the option of bail.

The suspects were arrested with an assortment of items, including mattresses and home appliances.