The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a manhunt for suspects who were involved in acts of violence during the anti-government demonstrations held on March 20, 2023.
According to a statement published by the DCI, the accused were seen on camera damaging public property, attacking innocent members of the public and hurling objects at police officers who were on duty safeguarding life and property.
“The criminals who took advantage of the demonstrations were captured on camera destroying public property, attacking innocent members of the public and hurling projectiles at police officers who were on duty protecting life and property,” DCI wrote.
The statement said that property of unknown value was destroyed while a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees and some are still recuperating at various hospitals in the city.
The DCI also said that a firearm whose magazine was filled with 15 rounds of 9mm calibre was lost by one of its officers, after he was attacked by a gang of a highly coordinated riotous mob, while the officers prevented destruction of public property in Embakasi region of Nairobi County.
The DCI issued a warning to the public, stating that although the freedom to gather, picket, and petition is protected by the constitution, it should be practiced politely and without violating the rights of others.
The DCI further appealed to members of the public to volunteer information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects whose images were shared on its Twitter account. The suspects will face charges ranging from robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property and assault among other allied offences.
The investigations agency also requested the suspects to present themselves at the Serious Crimes offices based at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road or at their nearest police station before close of business today for further action.