The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed that 710 suspects were arrested across the country during Monday’s fuel price protests that turned chaotic in several regions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 19, the investigative agency said the Rift Valley region recorded the highest number of arrests at 259, followed by Nairobi, where 189 people were apprehended during the demonstrations.
According to the DCI, the Eastern region registered 103 arrests, while Central Kenya recorded 142.
The Western and Coast regions reported the lowest numbers, with 10 and 7 arrests respectively.
710 suspects arrested during nationwide fuel price protests. Photo: Courtesy.
The agency noted that several of the suspects had already been arraigned in court and were facing different charges linked to the protests and related acts of unrest.
DCI further warned that authorities would take firm action against individuals found to have organised, financed, incited or participated in criminal activities during the demonstrations, maintaining that investigations remain ongoing.
DCI cautioned members of the public against turning lawful demonstrations into criminal activities, warning that any acts of violence or destruction during protests will be treated as offences under the law.
The agency emphasized that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, actions such as looting, arson, road blockades, attacks on motorists or police officers, and destruction of property amount to serious crimes.
The warning comes amid heightened scrutiny following Monday’s fuel price protests, which turned chaotic in several parts of the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that four people lost their lives during the unrest, while more than 30 others sustained injuries in different regions.
In a statement issued after the demonstrations, Murkomen expressed regret over the fatalities and condemned the violence that erupted during the protests.
He noted that the government was concerned about the loss of lives and the injuries reported as security agencies worked to restore order across affected areas.
Murkomen also accused some political leaders of exploiting the demonstrations for political gain, alleging that certain individuals had taken advantage of the situation to advance selfish interests at the expense of ordinary citizens.
He maintained that such actions contributed to the escalation of tensions witnessed during the protests.
