485 Arrested Over June 25 Protest Chaos, DCI Boss Mohamed Amin Says

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of 485 individuals linked to the chaos that erupted during the June 25 nationwide protests. DCI Director Mohamed Amin, speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, stated that 448 of the suspects have already been arraigned in court, with 37 others still under investigation.

Amin disclosed that the charges filed include serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, rape, gang rape, arson, robbery with violence, incitement to violence, and illegal possession of firearms.

“These charges reflect the gravity of what transpired. Our investigations show this was not spontaneous. It was a calculated, well-funded operation designed to cause unrest under the cover of protest,” Amin said.

According to the DCI chief, intelligence and suspect testimonies indicate that individuals were strategically mobilised and transported into protest hotspots, particularly Nairobi, from various parts of the country. The aim, Amin noted, was to orchestrate maximum disruption under the guise of youth-led demonstrations.

Violence was reported in Nairobi, Kitengela, Dagoreti, Naivasha, Kikuyu, and Nyeri, among other locations. Businesses were hit hard, with wholesale and retail shops looted and vandalised, ATMs destroyed, and millions of shillings stolen.

Amin also confirmed receiving credible reports of sexual violence, including cases of rape and gang rape, allegedly committed by criminals who infiltrated the protests. “These incidents add a horrifying dimension to an already grave situation,” he said.

Further alarming reports include the theft of firearms and police gear during clashes with law enforcement. Some of the stolen weapons have reportedly been used in armed robberies, particularly in the Naivasha area.

Despite the widespread violence, Amin acknowledged that many Kenyans participated in the protests peacefully. However, he urged the public to remain vigilant and differentiate between lawful dissent and criminal behavior.

“We must not allow criminals to hijack public expression and plunge the country into chaos,” he warned.

Investigations into the masterminds and financiers of the violence are ongoing, with the DCI pledging to bring all perpetrators to justice.

In other news:Inside President Ruto’s Meeting with France’s Emmanuel Macron

485 Arrested Over June 25 Protest Chaos, DCI Boss Mohamed Amin Says