Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki revealed that at least 46 people were arrested on Tuesday, May 2 in connection with causing violence and destruction of property during the Azimio protests.
Kindiki confirmed that 14 suspects were nabbed in relation to the robberies, arson, and malicious damage of property within Nairobi.
The suspects were linked to torching a public service vehicle (PSV) along Ngong Road and a trailer along the Southern Bypass, in addition to the raiding of a petrol station along Juja Road.
"Within Eastleigh suburb, Juja Shell Petrol was attacked and robbed of 12 gas cylinders before maliciously damaging fuel pumps and vehicles that were parked at the premises," the CS explained.
Meanwhile, the other 32 were nabbed in Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, and parts of the Nyanza region for damaging private property and looting.
"Riotous mobs interfered with the flow of traffic and damaged windscreens of several motor vehicles by hurling rocks and other crude missiles. A number of private properties were also looted," the statement read in part.
Kindiki disclosed that the atrocities were caused by hordes of criminals masquerading as political protesters responding to calls to demonstrate by leaders of the opposition.
He maintained that the police would be deployed across the county to counter the spike in crime during mass protests. The CS, therefore, banned select demonstrations.
"No more violent protests shall be allowed anywhere in Kenya. With or without notices, demonstrations and protests of any type which injure people, security officers, businesses and property shall be prevented at all costs," he declared.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome reiterated that the police would not condone the use of chaos to cause unnecessary fear and panic.
Koome added that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Mohamed Amin launched investigations into all aspects of law-breaking which were reported with a view of taking appropriate action.
The police boss further commended the law enforcement officers for standing firm and ensuring that the majority of our law-abiding citizens were protected.
