DCI on the spot over images released on chaos during Maandamano rally

In a social media post on Friday, DCI released a series of images ostensibly unmasking the individuals it described 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.

However, some of the images used appear to be from previous protests, some from as far back as 2008.

In one of the images in question, protesters are seen to be scampering for safety amid chaos, however, a search of the image reveals that the image was from protest in Burundi and was used in an article on Al Jazeera titled ‘‘Hundreds arrested’ in Burundi amid political unrest’ in 2015.

In another photo, a man is seen aiming a teargas cannister at an unknown target. However, the image appears to first have been used in 2008. According to Taifa Leo, the photo is from Getty Images and was first published on January 17, 20028.

The DCI is yet to release a statement about some of the images used.

On Friday the DCI said it has launched a manhunt for culprits behind chaos on Monday.

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 said individuals captured in the shared images are required to surrender themselves to the DCI headquarters or nearest police stations.