Gen Z protests: 24 suspects arrested in Kikuyu detained for 14 days, as 21 arraigned in Nyeri

Twenty-four suspects linked to the destruction of public property during the June 25 protests in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, have been detained for 14 days as investigations continue.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were arraigned at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ruiru following violent demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.

"Detectives obtained a 14-day custodial order to complete their investigations," the DCI said in a statement on Friday.

During the protest, demonstrators reportedly set ablaze the Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu Sub-County offices, and vandalised several government vehicles, including tractors and tuk-tuks.

Following a probe into the occurrences, DCI says two steel windows, a steel door, and a water tank believed to have been looted from the county government’s physical planning offices were later recovered in a bush within the Mai-ii-hii and Kabete areas.

Likewise, in Nyeri County, 21 suspects were arraigned on charges including shop breaking, stealing, and handling stolen goods.

During the hearing, 10 of them pleaded guilty, with their case set for mention on July 2, 2025, for facts reading.

The remaining 11 who pleaded not guilty were released on a bond of Ksh.100,000 each.

While urging members of the public to exercise restraint during protests, DCI reaffirmed that detectives are still continuing to pursue more leads to hold more suspects accountable for the crimes.