‘Surrender before 5pm!’, DCI issues deadline for unruly protesters caught on camera

• Investigations were conducted on a variety of offenses
• Azimio la Umoja coalition announced protests every Monday and Thursday.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations declared on Friday, March 24, that it was conducting investigations to apprehend anyone seen on surveillance footage damaging government property during the protests on Monday, March 20.

The DCI ordered everyone who was seen in the pictures and video that were posted from the demonstrations to turn themselves in at the unit’s headquarters by Friday, March 24, 5 p.m.

The agency explained that investigations were concentrated on a variety of offenses, including the attacks on private companies and the protesters who vandalized road signs.

“The Directorate is currently on a manhunt for the suspects whose images appear below as others are being gathered and shall be updated, who will face charges ranging from robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property and assault among other allied offences,” the statement read.

“The firearm was lost by one of our officers after he was attacked by a gang of a well-coordinated riotous mob, as the officers prevented the destruction of public property in the Embakasi area of Nairobi County,” DCI explained.

DCI further cautioned demonstrators to respect and uphold others’ rights during impending protests. The team also appealed to members of the public to come forward with information that would help catch offenders.

“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 statement added.

The announcement was made a few days after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja condemned demonstrators for stealing and damaging property in the Nairobi Central Business District.

President William Ruto challenged Azimio Coalition leader Raila Odinga to a face-to-face meeting while on a visit to Kisii County. The visibly angry Head of State claimed that Raila’s call for demonstrations had caused a disruption among the populace and that the Monday, March 20, mass protest had prevented hawkers, mama mbogas, and boda boda drivers from working.

“Touts did not work on Monday as well as traders, boda bodas, and kiosk owners. What are you asking them? If you have a problem, face me. Stop disturbing citizens.

“Let me ask you (citizens), the person who competed with him is me. Why is he disturbing mama mboga? Stop disturbing the citizens, if you have a problem, come face me. I defeated you,” he posed.

The Azimio la Umoja Coalition, meanwhile, announced rallies every Monday and Thursday as part of its renewed drive for its goals. Led by its partly leader Raila Odinga, the Coalition urged police to offer enough security, alleging that Kenya Kwanza officials were planning to employ goons to disrupt the protests.