At least 25 individuals have been arrested following violent protests that rocked Kikuyu and Dagoretti on Wednesday, during the anniversary demonstrations led by Kenya’s Gen Z movement. What began as a peaceful procession quickly descended into chaos, according to a police report obtained by Citizen Digital.
The report indicates that the unrest started when a group of unidentified individuals barricaded the Southern Bypass and Old Kikuyu Road using stones and lit bonfires made from old vehicle tires. Authorities allege that the instigators were hired from Limuru and Kiambu and transported into the area aboard three lorries.
Faced with an escalating situation involving an estimated 10,000 rioters, officers from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were quickly overwhelmed. This prompted the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) to call for reinforcements from Kiambu County Headquarters.
The ensuing confrontations lasted over 30 minutes, with backup arriving under the leadership of APS County Commander Ismael Ahmed. Officers from the National Police Service and prison units stationed in Kiambu and Murang’a counties joined the effort to restore order.
Despite the reinforcements, significant damage had already been done. The Kikuyu Law Courts, local County Government offices, Dagoretti Police Post, and the Deputy County Commissioner’s office were torched. In a shocking development, five firearms were stolen from the Dagoretti Police Post, including two AK-47 rifles, a G3 rifle, a Jericho pistol, and an anti-riot gun.
Authorities managed to thwart an attempt to steal additional weapons from the Sub-County APS armoury. Tragically, one protester lost their life during the melee, and five police officers sustained injuries. The body of the deceased was later abandoned at the gate of the Kikuyu Police Station.
The riots extended into the night, culminating in vandalism at the Kikuyu Affordable Housing units before officers apprehended four suspects. Police have confirmed that a total of 25 individuals are now in custody as investigations continue to identify and arrest more suspects.
