DCI goes after Azimio protesters captured vandalising property; orders them to surrender to police
The Azimio opposition coalition-led anti-government protests on Monday saw disorder and violence, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which also announced that a manhunt was begun for those responsible.
The DCI on Friday published a series of photos through its social media account that revealed the identities of the people it claims are criminals who used the protests to vandalize property and assault police officers who were on duty and unarmed civilians.
The DCI reports that property of unknown value was destroyed during the protests on Monday that were organized by the head of the Azimio party, Raila Odinga, and that 33 police officers sustained injuries of varying severity and are presently being treated in hospitals.
“The criminals who took advantage of the demonstrations were captured on camera destroying public property, attacking innocent members of the public and hurling projectiles at police officers who were on duty protecting life and property.
“As a result, property of unknown value was destroyed while a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees and some are still recuperating at various hospitals in the city,” said the DCI.
DETECTIVES ON A MANHUNT FOR SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN MONDAY’S VIOLENCE
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched Investigations into acts of violence that were committed by criminals during the illegal demonstrations held on March 20, 2023. pic.twitter.com/fG4cwHqJT4
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) March 24, 2023
An AK47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition is also reported to have been stolen during the mayhem.
“A firearm whose magazine was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm calibre was also lost by one of our officers after he was attacked by a gang of a well-coordinated riotous mob, as the officers prevented destruction of public property in Embakasi area of Nairobi County,” added DCI.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations says the persons captured in the images are set to face among other charges robbery with violence, assault and malicious damage to public property.
Consequently, the individuals captured in the shared images are required to surrender themselves to the DCI headquarters or nearest police stations.
Meanwhile, the DCI has asked members of the public to volunteer information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
