NAIROBI, Kenya – Police in Dagoretti South have arrested one man and recovered an AK-47 rifle that was allegedly stolen during Wednesday’s violent Gen Z protests, which rocked parts of Nairobi and other towns across the country.
The suspect, believed to be the brother of a fugitive linked to the theft, was apprehended on Friday during a raid at a homestead in Kirigu, Mutuini.
The operation was led by officers from Kabete Police Station in collaboration with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to police reports, the recovered rifle is one of five firearms looted from Kingongo Police Post, which was overrun and set ablaze by protesters in one of the most brazen acts of violence during the demonstrations.
“The firearm was found hidden under a table inside the suspect’s house. Investigations are ongoing to track down the main suspect,” a senior officer told reporters.
Main Suspect on the Run
The man at the center of the probe is still at large but is said to have been spotted on CCTV footage vandalising a Cooperative Bank ATM at Dagoretti Market during the protests.
Witnesses told police he was later seen openly drinking at a local pub while allegedly armed with the stolen weapon.
He reportedly handed out stolen cash to friends during the night-long spree.
Police also recovered a pair of police boots and a stolen signboard from the Kingongo station near the homestead.
The arrested suspect is accused of transporting the signboard, with security footage backing up the claim.
Ongoing Crackdown
The recovery adds to growing concerns about the escalation of violence during Gen Z-led demonstrations, which began as peaceful protests to mark the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill marches.
At least 19 people were killed in Wednesday’s unrest, with hundreds injured or arrested across the country.
Authorities say several weapons and police gear were stolen during the chaos, prompting a nationwide operation to recover them and bring perpetrators to justice.
