NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 24 — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has circulated images of Azimio protestors wanted for acts of hooliganism during Monday’s anti-government protests.
The DCI ordered all individuals whose images were circulated to surrender themselves to the criminal agency by 5 pm Friday.
The agency made the move days after President William Ruto labeled protestors linked to vandalism as “economic terrorists“.
It said the wanted individuals took advantage of the demonstrations to destroy public property, attack innocent members of the public and hurling projectiles at police officers who were on duty protecting life and property.
“The suspects are requested 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 today for further action,” DCI said Friday.
According to the DCI property of unknown value was destroyed while a total of 33 officers suffered injuries of various degrees as a result of the actions of the wanted persons.
Missing firearm
The agency further said that a firearm whose magazine was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm calibre was also lost by one of the security officers in Embakasi area, after he was attacked by a riotous mob.
The officer was part of security agents who were enforcing peace in the area.
“In this regard, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations cautions members of the public that while the right to assemble, picket and petition is enshrined in our constitution, these rights should be exercised with civility and should not infringe on the rights of others,” the DCI said.
The agency said it has launched a manhunt for the suspects whose images have been shared, adding that they are compiling more images of other suspects which will be updated.
“They will face charges ranging from robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property and assault among other allied offences,” the DCI said.
Economic terrorists
While speaking at the Nairobi Stock Exchange on Wednesday, President Ruto has promises full accountability against “economic terrorists” out to destabilize the country’s business environment.
In a veiled reference to opposition leader Raila Odinga who led a chaotic conformation with the police on Monday in an attempt to access Nairobi’s Central Business District, Ruto said the government will not put up with sabotage.
“There’s no reason whatsoever for anyone to stand in the way of free enterprise, disrupt business or sabotage economic activity or work as economic terrorists for personal selfish interest,” the Head of State remarked on Wednesday.
“Such impunity must be dealt with firmly and full accountability enforced to vindicate Kenya’s commitment as a free market economy,” he vowed.
