The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says it has launched Investigations into acts of violence that were committed last Monday during protests that were called by Azimio One Kenya Coalition Party.
DCI says it is in particular in pursuit of criminal elements who took advantage of the demonstrations and 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.
“The Directorate is currently on a manhunt for the suspects whose images appear below as others are being gathered and shall be updated, who will face charges ranging from robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property and assault among other allied offences,” the Amin Mohamed led agency says in a statement.
DCI is at the same time appealing to members of the public to volunteer information that may lead to the arrest of the said individuals with the suspects alternatively asked to present themselves at the Serious Crimes offices based at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road or at their nearest police station before close of business Friday for further action.
According to DCI, a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees and some are still recuperating at various hospitals in the city with property of unknown value destroyed during the Monday 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.”
DCI is cautioning members of the public that while the right to assemble, picket and petition is enshrined in the constitution, the said rights should be exercised with civility and should not infringe on the rights of others.
The leadership of the police has since indicated it is open for scrutiny over its conduct during the Monday protests that left at least two people dead with scores injured.
While the Independent Policing Oversight Authority says it is investigating the matter including the killing of a Maseno University student, it says police officers largely acted within the confines of the law in dealing with the protests.
The Raila Odinga-led Opposition has since announced that public protests will be conducted every Monday and Thursday with the “mother of all protests” slated for this Monday.
The ruling Kenya Kwanza administration has since warned that it will not condone any acts of lawlessness.