As Nairobi City braces itself for a second round of mass action next week, detectives have launched a manhunt for suspects involved in Monday’s violence.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has published images of tens of suspects captured on film in action during the Monday violence.
The mass action called by Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga to protest rising cost of living turned violent as police engaged in day-long battles with protestors.
Business came to a standstill in the Capital City where the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Nairobi had lost upwards of Sh 2 billion.
Raila has called for protests again on Monday and Thursday saying it was due to public demand.
DCI said 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 DCI.
DCI added that 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.
DCI cautioned members of the public that while the right to assemble, picket and petition is enshrined in the constitution, the rights should be exercised with civility and should not infringe on the rights of others.
They announced that they are currently on a manhunt for the suspects whose images they published and who will face charges ranging from robbery with violence, malicious damage to public property and assault among other allied offences.