NAIROBI, Kenya – In the wake of the nationwide protests organized by Kenyan Gen Z to oppose the proposed 2024 Finance Bill, criminal elements exploited the situation to wreak havoc and economically harm innocent citizens.
Disguised as demonstrators, these well-coordinated groups targeted and looted several businesses, including boutiques, electronic shops, and supermarkets, severely affecting business owners’ livelihoods.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says it has taken swift action to address these crimes.
As part of their mandate to investigate and apprehend those involved in criminal activities, the DCI’s Imaging and Acoustic Unit at the National Forensic Laboratory has reviewed numerous CCTV footages.
In a statement, the DCI said recordings have identified individuals whose actions deviate from the peaceful protestors’ intent, isolating them as perpetrators of outright criminality.
“The looting not only robbed numerous Kenyans of their means of livelihood but also worked towards compromising an otherwise crucial constitutional right,” the DCI stated.
Several suspects have already been apprehended and arraigned in court, but many remain at large.
The DCI warns that these individuals are likely to exploit future opportunities to strike again, causing more damage and endangering the lives of innocent citizens caught in the crossfire during the efforts to quell these crimes.
“We can flush them from amongst our numbers because they do not share the principles that define what we stand for, and more so for the sake of those who did not deserve to lose their only means of livelihood in this manner,” emphasized the DCI.
In a call to action, the DCI urges the public to assist in identifying and reporting these criminals. Citizens are encouraged to report any known offenders to the nearest police station or anonymously via the DCI’s toll-free hotline, #FichuakwaDCI, by calling 0800 722 203.
As the investigations continue, the DCI reassures the public of their commitment to bringing all responsible individuals to justice and safeguarding the nation’s economic stability and citizens’ safety.
