DCI Unmasks ‘Criminals’ Wanted For Violence During Azimio Protests; Says 33 Police Officers Hospitalised, AK47 Stolen
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has released images of suspects believed to have been behind the chaos and violence witnessed on Monday during anti-government protests led by the Azimio opposition coalition, adding that a manhunt is underway for the individuals.
Through its social media account, the DCI on Friday released a series of images unmasking individuals it describes as criminals who took advantage of the protests to destroy property and attack innocent members of the public and police officers who were on duty.
According to the DCI, during the Monday protests led by Azimio party leader Raila Odinga, property of unknown value was destroyed while a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees and are currently hospitalised.
“The criminals who took advantage of the demonstrations 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.
“As a result, property of unknown value was destroyed while a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees and some are still recuperating at various hospitals in the city,” said the DCI.
An AK47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition is also reported to have been stolen during the 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,” added DCI.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations says the persons captured in the images are set to face among other charges robbery with violence, assault and malicious damage to public property.
Consequently, the individuals captured in the shared images are required to surrender themselves to the DCI headquarters or nearest police stations.
Meanwhile, the DCI has asked members of the public to volunteer information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
