NAIROBI — Three men accused of fueling chaos during the deadly June 25 protests have been arrested while allegedly attempting to flee Nairobi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed on Saturday that John Mulingwa Nzau, also known as Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali, and Francis Mutunge Mwangi, who goes by Chebukati, were captured on Friday in Konza City. The three were reportedly on board a Mombasa-bound bus.
DCI stated the arrests followed a targeted operation based on intelligence reports. Investigators claim the suspects coordinated online and in-person networks to incite violence, destruction of property, and looting during the demonstrations.
“These individuals were en route to a hideout in the coastal region to evade arrest, unaware that law enforcement was tracking their movements,” the agency said in an official statement.
The June 25 protests was to commemorate the anti-finance bill 2024 that claimed the lives of over 60 civilians and injured hundreds others among many cases of abductions and forced disappearances. The June 25 protests saw over 15 civilians killed and over 300 injured in nationwide protests mainly driven largely by youths recording massive destruction of government buildings and private property.
According to DCI, the suspects are expected to face multiple charges in court on Monday. These may include incitement to violence, arson, stealing, and malicious damage to property.
Authorities have not disclosed additional names but confirmed that more suspects linked to the protests have been identified and are under pursuit.
“Their actions betrayed the lawful intent of peaceful demonstrators and placed national security at risk,” DCI said.
The arrests come amid ongoing calls for accountability over police response to the protests, even as law enforcement ramps up efforts to track individuals believed to have organized or instigated violence.
DCI reiterated that freedom of assembly remains protected under the Constitution, but warned that any attempt to exploit such rights to destabilize the country would face legal consequences.
