The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned members of the public against engaging in unlawful activities during protests.
According to the DCI, law enforcement agencies will take firm action against those found engaging in unlawful activities.
While the Constitution guaranteed the right to peaceful assembly, the DCI emphasised that any acts of violence, looting, or destruction of property constitute serious offences and will not be tolerated.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) strongly cautions members of the public against turning legitimate demonstrations into criminal activities,” DCI stated.
“While every Kenyan has the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, acts of violence, looting, arson, road blockades, destruction of property, attacks on police or motorists, and any acts that endanger lives are serious criminal offences,” it added.
The warning follows incidents witnessed on Monday, when the transport sector strike and demonstrations turned chaotic as criminals took advantage of the incident to loot and destroy properties.
Among the notable incidents during the Monday protests were the torching of UDA offices in Wote, Makueni county, the burning of a truck owned by UDA MP and the burning of a Mazda CX-5 vehicle along Thika Road.
So far, the DCI have revealed that investigations into the demonstrations are ongoing, with the agency confirming 710 arrests nationwide in connection with various offences.
According to the authority, 189 suspects were from Nairobi, 259 from Rift Valley, while Central Kenya recorded 142 arrests.Also, 103 suspects were arrested in the eastern region, coast seven, while in western Kenya, 10 arrests were made.
The DCI further noted that many of the suspects have already been arraigned in court on various charges linked to the protests.
“No one is above the law. Individuals organising, financing, inciting, or participating in criminal acts will face the full force of the law,” the agency statement further read.
