Police arrested 710 protesters during Monday fuel demos

DCI boss Mohamed Amin /FILE

Directorate of Criminal Investigations has announced the arrest of 710 people following Monday’s nationwide demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices, warning that criminal acts committed during protests will attract the full force of the law.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DCI cautioned the public against turning demonstrations into violent and criminal activities.

“While every Kenyan has the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, acts of violence, looting, arson, road blockades, destruction of property, attacks on police or motorists, and any acts that endanger lives are serious criminal offences,” the agency said.

According to the DCI, investigations into the demonstrations are ongoing, with arrests reported across several regions of the country.

The agency said Rift Valley recorded the highest number of arrests at 259, followed by Nairobi with 189 suspects.

Central region registered 142 arrests, Eastern recorded 103, while Western and Coast regions recorded 10 and seven arrests respectively.

“Many of these suspects have already been arraigned today in court on various charges,” the statement added.

The demonstrations, which disrupted transport operations and businesses in several towns and cities, were sparked by rising fuel prices that triggered a nationwide strike involving transport operators and other stakeholders.

Police and government officials have accused some protesters of engaging in looting, destruction of property, road blockades, and attacks on motorists during the unrest.

The DCI warned that individuals found organising, financing, inciting, or participating in criminal activities during demonstrations would face prosecution.

“No one is above the law. Individuals organising, financing, inciting, or participating in criminal acts will face the full force of the law,” the agency said.

The investigative agency also urged the public to cooperate with security agencies and maintain peace as investigations continue.

This is even as a senior police officer attached to Nairobi’s Central police station was arrested over the alleged unlawful release of dozens of suspects held for public order offences.

The chief inspector of police who is the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Central police station, was arrested on Monday by his superiors and placed in police custody pending further action.

He spent his night in the cells at the Langata police station.

According to police authorities the officer is accused of abuse of office after allegedly releasing 64 suspects on May 18, without lawful authority.

The detainees had reportedly been arrested in connection with offences related to public order. This was after the group was arrested during the Monday’s protests against the high cost of fuel.

Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud said the officer is under investigation for allegedly improperly conferring a benefit upon himself through the release of the suspects.

“We are handling the matter internally before we decide the way forward,” he said.

By police rules, OCSs are permitted to release suspects in custody.