Six individuals were arrested in Embu County as part of an ongoing operation to apprehend those responsible for looting and destroying property during the protests that took place on June 25, 2025. The arrests occurred on Saturday, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) confirming the capture of the suspects. Among the detained individuals were a 22-year-old, a 19-year-old, and a 45-year-old, who were allegedly found in possession of a stolen washing machine. A 28-year-old suspect had various retail products, thought to have been looted from a shop, in their home. Another suspect, a 29-year-old, was found with bottles of suspected stolen whisky and a bundle of steel wire. Additionally, a 26-year-old individual was arrested at Downtown Guest House, where stolen items, including two desktop computers, a television set, wristwatches, jackets, three pairs of boots, several pairs of new jeans, and extension cables, were recovered.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are scheduled to appear before the Embu Law Courts on Monday, June 30. This operation comes in the wake of widespread destruction of property and looting, which accompanied protests across the country on June 25. The protests, initially sparked by a youth-led movement demanding political change and accountability, quickly devolved into violence and chaos. Reports from multiple counties indicated instances of looting, arson, and attacks on both public and police infrastructure. The situation was further exacerbated by the destruction of business properties in various areas.
Despite the turmoil, normalcy began to return by Thursday, June 26, as businesses and transportation services resumed operations. The protests had been ignited by frustrations over issues such as taxation and public finance, echoing the youth-led movement of 2024 that had made significant waves in the country’s political landscape.
On June 27, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement urging the public to exercise restraint during demonstrations. They emphasized that while peaceful protests are a constitutional right, any form of violence or property destruction would be met with strict legal action. The government has reiterated its commitment to restoring law and order while safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights, urging demonstrators to avoid unlawful acts and to focus on peaceful expressions of their grievances.
