In the aftermath of the recent nationwide fuel price protests, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a manhunt for more than 15 individuals wanted for criminal activities during the demonstrations.
On Friday, May 22, the directorate released a wanted person notice saying the suspects are accused of robbery with violence, robbery, arson, looting, malicious damage to property, and other offences that endangered public safety.
Alongside the statement, the DCI posted images of the wanted individuals online to aid identification. The directorate said the suspects were captured on camera committing these acts across the country, resulting in significant damage to businesses and public infrastructure.
“The suspects were captured while committing criminal acts that not only damaged businesses and public infrastructure but also endangered the lives and safety of innocent members of the public,” the statement read.
In addition, authorities have appealed to the public for information that could help in apprehending the suspects.
Members of the public who recognise any of the suspects have been urged to report information to the nearest police station or anonymously via the DCI’s toll-free or WhatsApp lines.
During the protests on May 19 and 20, vehicles were torched, and schools and other structures were vandalised.
The demonstrations also saw road blockades and confrontations with police in several towns, causing extensive damage to public and private property.
Police have initiated operations to track down suspects following a previous warning from the DCI that law enforcement would take firm action against anyone found engaging in unlawful activities during the protests.
The National Police Service (NPS) warned that criminal acts committed under the guise of protests will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
“The NPS wishes to remind the public that while every Kenyan has a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition, criminal acts carried out under the guise of protests shall be investigated thoroughly and perpetrators brought to justice,” the notice stated.
Meanwhile, strike activity has eased after public transport operators called off the nationwide sector strike that was scheduled to resume on Monday, May 26, following talks with President William Ruto.