NAIROBI, Kenya – Police in Gem Sub-County have arrested a man suspected of mobilising youths linked to the violent demonstrations that rocked Yala on April 6, 2026.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers acted on leads to raid a drinking spot in Ramula, where the 30-year-old suspect was arrested.
Authorities believe he played a central role in rallying individuals who later took part in protests that escalated into violence.
The demonstrations led to destruction of property and disrupted operations at Ramula Police Post, with investigators linking the suspect to a group that allegedly engaged in confrontations with law enforcement.
“The suspect is currently in custody, undergoing processing, and is set to face a litany of charges, including: Arson, Assault, Malicious damage to property, Incitement to violence, among others,” the agency stated.
Police say the arrest marks just one step in a broader crackdown, with further operations ongoing to track down others believed to have organised or supported the unrest.
Even as investigations continue, the DCI has called for calm and cooperation from the public, while underscoring the legal limits of protest.
“While the right to picket is constitutionally guaranteed, the transition into criminality, hooliganism, and the targeting of police installations will be met with the full force of the law,” the agency said.
The unrest turned deadly after two people were shot during clashes between protesters and police. The group had been demonstrating against operations at a gold mining site before marching to Ramula Police Post, where the situation became violent.
Police estimate that around 2,000 youths were involved in the march, which they described as unlawful and partly fuelled by misinformation surrounding the activities of Shanta Gold.
The arrest came hours after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja warned of a rising trend of attacks on police officers and stations, vowing firm action against those responsible.
Kanja emphasised that police stations play a crucial role in maintaining security and protecting communities, warning that any assault on such facilities is effectively an attack on the public itself.
“Police stations are not just buildings; they are the bedrock of public safety, emergency response and the first line of defence. To attack a police station is to attack the very security of the public it serves,” he said.
