The National Police Service (NPS) has urged Kenyans who have information about the gangs that infiltrated yesterday's Saba Saba Day demonstrations and stole property to report it to their local police station.
According to the service, at least 11 people died during yesterday's protests. A total of 52 police officers and 11 civilians were injured 11 while 12 police vehicles were damaged. Three government vehicles were also damaged as well as 4 vehicles belonging to private Kenyans were also destroyed. Additionally, 567 people were arrested.
Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga noted on Monday evening that while protests in most parts of the country were peaceful, they were infiltrated by criminals whose intention was to cause anarchy.
He stated that these criminals were determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts, including attacks on law enforcement officers and looting.
According to Nyaga, preliminary investigations established incidents of fatalities, injuries, damage to motor vehicles, and several reports of looting by suspected gangs.
Nyaga went ahead to disclose that among those arrested by the police during the protests was Manyatta Constituency Member of Parliament, Gitonga Mukunji.
"NPS commends the majority of Kenyans for being law-abiding and heeding the call to maintain law and order. However, certain individuals remained determined to engage in acts of lawlessness that involved multiple criminal acts," Muchiri Nyaga stated.
"Additionally, several suspects have been arrested, including Honourable Gitonga Mukunji, MP for Manyatta Constituency," the police boss added.
Following the demonstrations and subsequent arrests, the police spokesperson noted that investigations had already commenced to bring to book all the perpetrators of yesterday's menace.
He further commended the police officers for exceptional restraint and professionalism in the face of sustained violence and provocation by criminals with ill intentions.
To ensure speedy investigations, the police service urged Kenyans with information about the criminals to report to the nearest police station or contact the service through toll-free numbers: 999, 911, 112.
"We encourage anyone with information about individuals involved in criminal activities who are still at large to come forward and share that information by reporting to the nearest police station or contact us via our toll-free numbers," said Muchiri Nyaga.
