Twenty-four individuals have been arrested in connection with the destruction of government property in Kikuyu town following protests that turned violent on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The arrests come after a series of coordinated demonstrations that marked the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill.
During the protest, several public offices and properties were vandalized and set ablaze, including the Kikuyu Law Courts, the Kikuyu Sub-County administrative offices, and other government installations such as vehicles, tuk-tuks, and tractors. The violent scenes prompted an immediate investigation by security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the damage.
The 24 suspects were later arraigned before a magistrate at the Ruiru Law Courts. Authorities obtained a 14-day custodial order to facilitate further investigations into the incident. The suspects are believed to have been part of a larger group that stormed the county government premises in Kikuyu Constituency, setting fire to parked vehicles and damaging nearby structures.
Investigations also revealed that a group of individuals raided the Kiambu County physical planning offices during the unrest. In the process, items including two steel windows, a steel door, and a water tank were stolen. These were later recovered abandoned in a bushy area between Mai-ii-hii and Kabete.
Law enforcement agencies have indicated that investigations are still ongoing and more arrests may follow as efforts to identify additional culprits intensify. Authorities have reiterated the importance of peaceful demonstrations and warned that acts of destruction and looting will not be tolerated.
The violent turn of the demonstrations has drawn strong condemnation from local leaders, who called for calm and restraint during public protests. They emphasized the need for protesters to express their grievances through lawful and peaceful means rather than engaging in criminal acts that put lives at risk and destroy vital public infrastructure.
The destruction at the Kikuyu Law Courts was particularly severe, with the building being set on fire and essential court documents reportedly destroyed. The damage is expected to impact judicial operations in the region temporarily as assessments and repairs begin.
Security agencies remain on high alert, and the public has been urged to cooperate with investigations by providing any information that could lead to the arrest of other individuals involved in the incident.
