The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced plans to investigate looters who exploited last week’s protests to damage properties and businesses. While many Kenyans peacefully protested against the proposed 2024-25 Finance Bill, some individuals used the situation to commit criminal acts, leading to significant property destruction and economic harm.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the DCI released images of suspects captured on CCTV during the looting. The police have urged the public to report these individuals to the nearest police station.
The DCI’s statement highlighted that some groups with criminal intentions disguised themselves as demonstrators to target various businesses, including boutiques, electronic shops, and supermarkets. The looters, many of whom wore capes and masks, were seen stealing items from closed stores.
The DCI’s Imaging and Acoustic Unit at the National Forensic Laboratory has analyzed CCTV footage to identify the suspects. They emphasized that these criminal activities compromised an essential constitutional right and harmed many Kenyans’ livelihoods.
The DCI has appealed to the public to help identify and report the looters using the toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or the #FichuakwaDCI initiative.
This investigation follows nationwide protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which resulted in injuries, deaths, and property damage. President William Ruto has since refused to sign the controversial bill and has sent it back to Parliament for reconsideration.