Three hundred and sixteen people in connection to Wednesday's violent anti-government protests that led to the vandalization of critical infrastructure.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki announced on Thursday while transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen estimated destruction at the Nairobi Expressway alone at USD5 million.
Speaking during the opening of the Kiserian Police Station in Kajiado County, Kindiki said that those detained included people who had a direct or indirect hand in organising, directing, or funding the demonstrations and acts of lawlessness.
Patrick Makau, a Mavoko member of parliament, is one of the people detained, accused of destroying the Nairobi Motorway, among other crimes.
“We will apprehend, arrest, and prosecute all those involved in yesterday’s violence and destruction,” Kindiki said.
Further, Kindiki declared that the government would withdraw security detail assigned to any politician organizing protests in a veiled reference to Azimio leader Raila Odinga and his associates who enjoy State protection.
Kindiki accused organizers of protests of violating the constitution by resorting to armed picketing.
“We cannot have armed protesters. This applies to everyone participating in the protest, including bodyguards. We will not allow arms, even for those engaging in peaceful demonstrations,” he explained.
Kindiki remarked that the government will not put up with unruly demonstrations that end in deaths, harm to bystanders and law enforcement, disruption of routine operations, destruction of private and public property, or looting.
He criticised people who engage in illegal activity while ostensibly demonstrating and called such action hooliganism.
“Burning down offices, vandalizing property, assaulting innocent civilians, and looting public and private assets do not contribute to reducing the cost of living.”
