Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has released photos of suspects allegedly involved in illegal activities during the ongoing anti-government protests now dubbed “Ruto Must Go,” now in their third week.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the DCI shared images of the individuals and instructed them to report to the nearest police station for further action.
“The Individuals whose images/photos appear below are wanted by the police for their unlawful activities during the anti-finance bill demonstrations. We therefore advise them to report to the nearest police station for further police action,” the DCI stated.
The public has been urged to assist with information regarding the whereabouts of individuals suspected of unlawful activities during recent anti-government protests. People are encouraged to share details anonymously through the hotline number 0800722203 or by calling 999, 911, or 112.
This appeal follows a warning from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to those planning to exploit the nationwide protests for criminal purposes.
Initially peaceful demonstrations across the country turned violent due to the actions of these individuals, who infiltrated Nairobi’s Central Business District and other areas to vandalize and loot businesses.
The protests, originally led by Gen Z activists who promoted peace with both police and businesses, saw a shift in dynamics as these infiltrators began looting shops and clashing with police.
Some protesters observed a stark change, noting that unlike earlier demonstrations, the recent ones were marred by delinquents stealing phones and damaging property.
Kenyan protesters returned to the streets on Tuesday, continuing to call for President William Ruto’s resignation despite his reversal on proposed tax hikes, which initially sparked the unrest.
Mr. Ruto faces a significant challenge to his two-year presidency as the youth-led movement escalates from online disapproval of the tax increases, now revoked, into widespread rallies demanding his ousting.
Timeline of key events leading to the protests
MAY 9
- The finance bill is introduced to the National Assembly, aiming to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes to reduce the budget deficit and borrowing.
- Public consultations on the bill begin.
JUNE 13
- Finance Minister Njuguna Ndung’u presents the 2024/25 budget in parliament, detailing spending and borrowing plans, separate from the finance bill.
JUNE 18
- A parliamentary panel recommends scrapping some new taxes proposed in the finance bill, including levies on bread and car ownership.
- Hundreds of protesters, angered by the tax measures, take to the streets in Nairobi.
JUNE 20
- Lawmakers debate the bill in its second reading before parliament.
- Riot police in Nairobi use tear gas and water cannons to disperse thousands of demonstrators as coordinated marches occur across the country against the tax rises.
JUNE 25
- Protests against the finance bill turn violent, with police firing on demonstrators attempting to storm the legislature in Nairobi, resulting in fatalities.
- Clashes and protests erupt in several other cities and towns, with many calling for Ruto to step down.
JUNE 26
- In a televised address, Ruto announces he will not sign the finance bill, effectively withdrawing the tax increases.
- Ruto pledges to start a dialogue with Kenyan youth and implement austerity measures, beginning with cuts to the presidency’s budget.
- Despite this announcement, some demonstrators on social media vow to continue rallying for Ruto’s resignation.
Also Read: Ruto declines to sign controversial Finance Bill after deadly protests
JUNE 27
- Police fire on protesters in new clashes as the movement grows from online discontent to mass rallies demanding a political overhaul.
- Several protesters are killed in the clashes.
- The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights later reports a death toll of 39 since demonstrations began on June 18.
JUNE 28
- Protesters call for seven days of activism, including nationwide strikes and road blockages on July 2 and July 4.
JULY 2
- Protesters, angered by a televised interview in which Ruto defends police actions and his government, take to the streets again.
- Police deploy tear gas on protesters in Nairobi, with demonstrations also occurring in other towns as calls for Ruto’s resignation intensify.
