NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has claimed that last week’s Gen Z-led protests were infiltrated and hijacked by a “well-coordinated network of criminal actors,” transforming what began as peaceful demonstrations into a wave of destruction, looting, and deadly violence across the country.
In a press briefing on Monday, DCI Director Mohamed Amin painted a grim picture of what unfolded on June 25, saying evidence gathered so far reveals a deliberate and well-funded plot to incite civil unrest under the guise of public protest.
“What began as peaceful civic action quickly devolved into orchestrated violence,” Amin said. “Individuals with specific instructions to attack public institutions and security installations were ferried in unmarked vehicles from various parts of the country.”
Widespread Destruction and Deadly Attacks
The DCI confirmed that several government institutions and businesses were targeted in the chaos, including the Kikuyu Law Courts, police stations in Dagoretti, Olkalau, Kamukunji, and others.
Several firearms and police equipment—including a grenade launcher—were stolen, and some of the weapons have already been used in violent robberies in Naivasha, Amin said.
In Nairobi, Kitengela, Nyeri and other towns, shops were looted and ATMs vandalized.
The DCI also reported disturbing incidents of assault and sexual violence by individuals who allegedly infiltrated the protest crowds.
“We acknowledge, with deep sorrow, that these events resulted in the loss of lives,” said Amin, offering condolences to families affected. Eleven police officers were also seriously injured, some critically, while protecting property and civilians, he added.
DCI Mohammed Amin: While some youthful protesters joined the demonstrations in good faith, some individuals, tragically, even some who had marched peacefully, later turned on fellow Kenyans. They engaged in sexual violence, theft and broke into homes and businesses. Such acts not
Kinangop Attack, More Arrests
In a separate incident, 400 armed individuals reportedly stormed Ndunyu Njeru Police Station in North Kinangop on June 26, demanding the release of suspects held for stock theft.
The clash resulted in the burning of the police station and the deaths of three detainees, who allegedly suffocated in their cells.
Although not directly linked to the June 25 protests, the DCI warned that the Kinangop incident was part of a growing trend of coordinated attacks on police stations, which now pose a national security threat.
As of June 30, 485 individuals had been arrested in connection with the unrest. Of these, 448 have already been charged, while 37 remain under investigation.
Charges range from robbery with violence, rape and arson to terrorism and handling of stolen goods.
Planned Chaos, Financiers Targeted
“Preliminary investigations and suspect statements reveal a deliberate and well-funded plan to incite chaos,” Amin said. “This was not spontaneous. We are actively pursuing the planners, mobilisers, financiers and facilitators. They will be brought to justice.”
He added that some protestors were transported into Nairobi with no intention of expressing grievances but to execute a “coordinated agenda of disruption.”
While affirming the right to protest as protected by the Constitution, Amin stressed that once demonstrations are infiltrated by criminal actors, they become a threat to public safety and national stability.
DCI Mohammed Amin: Evidence indicates that the individuals were strategically mobilized and transported, particularly into Nairobi from various parts of the country, not to express their legitimate grievances but to execute a well-coordinated agenda of disruption and violence.
A Call for Information and Unity
The DCI urged the public to help trace stolen firearms, report criminal suspects still at large, and support ongoing investigations. A toll-free hotline—0800 722 203—has been set up for citizens to share information.
“To the families who lost loved ones, to those who were injured, and to all peace-loving citizens, we hear you and we stand with you,” Amin said. “We will act decisively and lawfully in your defence.”
The DCI reiterated its commitment to pursue justice swiftly, vowing to restore order and uphold the rule of law amid one of Kenya’s most turbulent protest seasons in recent history.
