In the wake of nationwide unrest triggered by the controversial Finance Bill protests on June 25, security agencies have ramped up operations in a sweeping crackdown that has so far seen over 140 individuals arraigned across various counties.
Authorities say the ongoing arrests are aimed at restoring order and recovering property lost during the chaos, but human rights groups are sounding alarms over what they call indiscriminate and excessive use of force.
In Nairobi’s Dagoretti area, the investigation has taken a more urgent turn after police confirmed that a government-issued firearm was stolen from a police officer during the protests.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since launched a targeted manhunt for suspects believed to be behind the theft. While details remain sketchy, intelligence reports suggest the weapon may have fallen into the hands of an organized criminal gang, raising fears of potential misuse and escalating insecurity in the city.
Simultaneously, officers have been combing through surveillance footage and community tip-offs to trace and recover looted electronics, shop goods, and government property taken during the demonstrations. Several items, including laptops, mobile phones, and even public service uniforms, have been recovered in operations conducted in Kiambu, Kisumu, and parts of Nairobi.
However, the clampdown has drawn criticism from civil liberties organizations, who accuse the police of arbitrary arrests and targeting young protesters without due process. “While accountability for looting and violence is necessary, it should not come at the cost of constitutional rights,” said a spokesperson from the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
With public sentiment still raw and trust in security forces strained, the unfolding events pose a critical test for law enforcement and the judiciary alike. As investigations intensify, Kenyans are watching closely to see whether justice will be balanced, or selective.
