6 More Arrested Over Embu Looting, Gun Recovered As Post-Protest Crackdown Continues

Police have arrested six more suspects in Embu County over theft and looting incidents linked to the June 25, 2025 protests, which turned chaotic in parts of the country.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were found in possession of stolen items believed to have been looted during the protests.

Among those arrested are Peter Mugane Kuria, 22, and Ian Macharia Wangare, 19. Police also arrested 45-year-old Joseph Musila Mugo, who was found with a stolen washing machine, and 28-year-old Maxwell Wafula Ongae, in whose house police recovered various retail goods allegedly stolen from a shop.

Also in custody is 29-year-old Jackson Njagi, who was found with several bottles of stolen whisky and a bundle of steel wire. Brian Mbuvi, 26, was ambushed at Downtown Guest House and found with stolen property, including two desktop computers, a TV set, three pairs of boots, wristwatches, jackets, new jeans trousers, and extension cables, among other items.

“The suspects have been placed in custody pending arraignment at the Embu Law Courts on Monday, June 30,” the DCI said.

The police also recovered an AK 47 rifle stolen from Dagoretti Police Post during the June 25, 2025 demonstrations.

DCI said he breakthrough came after a tip-off about a suspicious individual carrying a bulging bag at Gravity Bar in Gahui area.

Responding swiftly, officers descended on the establishment and, aided by forensic leads, identified the suspect.

The trail led officers to the suspect’s residence in Njuki-Kirigu area. But upon spotting them, he vanished without a trace.

“A search of his home, conducted in the presence of his mother, uncovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, and a single round of 7.62mm special ammunition, all items confirmed to have been stolen from Dagoretti Police Post,” DCI said.

This comes days after police arrested at least 25 suspects in connection with violent attacks and looting in Kikuyu Town, Kiambu County, during the June 25 protests. The demonstrations, marking the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests, turned destructive with protesters setting fire to the Kikuyu Law Courts, Sub-County offices, and several government vehicles, tractors, and tuk-tuks.

Following the violence, detectives launched investigations that led to the arrest of the 25 suspects, who were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Ruiru Law Courts. A 14-day custodial order was granted to allow for further investigations.

Meanwhile, police recovered two steel windows, a steel door, and a water tank stolen from the county’s physical planning offices. The items were found abandoned in the Mai-ii-hii and Kabete areas.

Police said investigations are ongoing and warned that more arrests would follow as detectives pursue additional leads.

The National Police Service has urged the public to remain peaceful during demonstrations and warned that violent and destructive acts will be met with the full force of the law.

So far, more than 700 people have been arrested across the country in connection with the protests. Authorities have also confirmed that over 15 people were killed in the chaos.