MERU, Kenya – Police in Meru County have recovered 63 bags of government-subsidized fertilizer and arrested eight suspects in connection with looting incidents that occurred during the June 25 anti-government protests.
The operation, led by officers from Igembe South Sub-County, was conducted in Luluma Village, Makiri area, and Maua Township.
Authorities say the swoop was intelligence-led and targeted individuals believed to have taken advantage of the chaos to steal state property.
Alongside the fertiliser, officers also impounded a silver Toyota Probox (registration KCW 822T) and three motorcycles suspected to have been used to transport the stolen goods.
Additionally, eight bags of cement were recovered during the raid.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as leads are pursued.
POLICE SWOOP NETS 22, RECOVERS STOLEN FERTILISER IN COORDINATED CRACKDOWNAn intelligence-led operation conducted in Luluma Village, Makiri area, and Maua Township by law enforcement officers from Igembe South Sub-County has resulted in the arrest of eight suspects and the
Separate Arrests in Malindi
In a parallel operation in Kilifi County, fourteen suspects were arrested in Malindi following forensic analysis that allegedly linked them to acts of vandalism and theft committed during the same nationwide demonstrations.
The suspects are accused of damaging public and private property, and police say they are currently being processed ahead of arraignment.
Nationwide Crackdown
The arrests come as part of a wider effort by law enforcement to clamp down on individuals accused of taking advantage of the Gen Z-led protests to loot and vandalise property.
While the demonstrations were largely peaceful, authorities say a number of criminal elements infiltrated the crowds and carried out coordinated attacks on state and private facilities.
The June 25 protests—initially sparked by opposition to the 2024 Finance Bill—saw tens of thousands of young Kenyans take to the streets demanding economic reforms and accountability.
However, multiple incidents of violence and looting were reported in various towns across the country, including Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Meru.
Authorities have vowed to recover stolen items and bring all perpetrators to justice, even as human rights groups continue to raise concerns over police overreach and the treatment of protestors.
