9 persons of interest linked to looting activities during demos arrested
By Nancy Marende, July 10, 2025Nine persons of interest believed to have participated in looting during the recent Saba Saba protests have been arrested in Kagio town, Kirinyaga County.
In a statement on Thursday, July 10, 2025, the National Police Service revealed that the arrest followed an intelligence-led police operation.
According to a report filed at Kagio Police Station, officers conducted a targeted operation across several estates in Kagio and its surrounding areas.
The sweep resulted in the arrest of nine individuals found in possession of assorted stolen goods.
Among the recovered items were electronic appliances, including a 50-inch LG television, a power backup unit, a washing machine, a CPU, and a monitor. Police also retrieved three glass tables, two mattresses, assorted detergents, perfumes, and various foodstuffs suspected to have been stolen during the unrest.
“The items are suspected to have been stolen from County Supermarket and Cash-Cash Club during recent Saba Saba protests. All suspects are currently in custody awaiting arraignment in court. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend more persons of interest and make further recoveries,” read the statement.
President Ruto
President William Ruto has announced that those involved in the destruction of property and businesses during the Saba Saba demonstrations will be prosecuted and jailed.
Speaking during his assessment of the construction progress at the 540 housing units’ project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi County on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, he stated that the government will also pursue leaders involved in the planning of the vandalism witnessed in the country.
“Everyone caught in the planning, stealing, and destruction of property and businesses will be prosecuted and jailed. And their leaders, we are coming after you,” he declared.
In a stern warning, the head of state said that leaders had incited youths to destroy the property and businesses of other Kenyans by offering them compensation.
“People have destroyed Kenyans’ property and businesses. It is the leaders who incited these occurrences. They are paying youths to go and destroy other people’s property. You cannot sponsor violence in the Republic of Kenya and expect to go scot-free,” he declared.
“It is the responsibility of the government of Kenya, which I lead, to ensure this destruction of property and businesses ends. It must stoop,” he added.