Eldoret looting suspect denies stealing Ksh.37M in property during anti-tax protests

Jonathan Mutua, 29, is accused of stealing electronic appliances, 181 kilogrammes of goat meat, and over 100 bunches of traditional greens known as 'Managu', among other things.

According to court documents, the incident took place at the Baniyas hotel in Eldoret. The business belongs to Fredrick Kamau.

The suspect was arrested and charged after being discovered with electronic equipment in the Kamukunji area of Uasin Gishu shortly after the looting incident.

He denied  the charges when he appeared before Eldoret Chief Magistrate, Cherono Kesse and was consequently freed on a Ksh.10million bond. 

The case will be mentioned on July 15.

Several businesses in Eldoret were raided, vandalised, and looted during the anti-tax protests last week, including the footwear store Bata and MP Oscar Sudi's nightclub Timba XO.

The protests, which primarily demanded the total recall of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, entered their third week.

Protesters who demanded that the Head of State drop the bill now want him to resign, citing a lack of trust in his leadership following the deaths of 39 people during peaceful protests.