City MP Arrested in Nairobi Hotel Amid Ongoing Investigation into Anti-Government Protests
An MP from the city was detained on Wednesday at a hotel in Nairobi as part of an investigation into the anti-government demonstrations that took place a few weeks ago.
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations revealed that they are also seeking another leader for questioning regarding similar allegations.
According to witnesses, the MP was dining at a restaurant on Koinange Street when the police, who had been searching for him, approached him. They asked him to come outside, where they subsequently forced him into a waiting sedan. He was taken to the DCI headquarters and was interrogated until late in the evening before being scheduled for release.
The MP has refuted the allegations, labeling the police actions as politically motivated.
Authorities have been examining the aftermath of the June 25 incident, during which protesters stormed Parliament and other government buildings.
There are accusations that some protesters were organized and funded to vandalize property during the demonstrations.
The investigation files will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with various recommendations, according to officials.
The police handling the case mentioned that they are also engaging with other leaders beyond those prominently discussed.
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“This investigation is extensive, and we are speaking with all individuals mentioned, regardless of their affiliations,” stated a police officer familiar with the case.
The MP’s arrest and questioning occurred a day after three senior aides to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were interrogated on Tuesday regarding allegations they funded the unrest during the anti-government protests.
The police visited the aides’ offices in Karen, Nairobi, to take their statements in a lengthy session.
Additionally, two MPs from Nairobi have been questioned.
This comes as detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations continue to probe the violent protests and business looting in Nairobi and parts of Central Kenya.
Authorities anticipate interviewing more politicians, including a former governor, about the disturbances.
The individuals had been summoned to the DCI headquarters for questioning on different days.
Police accused these individuals of organizing thugs to loot businesses and other properties while Gen Z activists protested in the city. The accused, including advisors to a politician, have denied these allegations.
Investigators say there is currently insufficient evidence linking these individuals to the chaos. They are seeking more information on the alleged involvement of the suspects.
The investigative teams have been relying on intelligence, which they claim is not yet actionable.
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For example, reports have surfaced that a politician funded thugs to raid and loot properties and then blamed the protests. Another report alleges that a politician paid thugs to attack and burn a government office.
The police are working urgently to gather sufficient evidence to potentially charge the accused individuals.
Several participants in the June 25 protests have already been charged with various offenses.
The investigation into these cases is ongoing.
Initially, the protests were peaceful until they were disrupted by thugs who began looting.
The largely Gen-Z-led protests have caught the government off guard, with President William Ruto declining to sign the proposed bill.
Widespread dissatisfaction with the high cost of living ignited national protests, triggered by proposed tax increases in the annual finance bill, which was eventually rejected.
Protest organizers have demanded accountability from the police for shooting incidents.
Over 60 people have died and 400 have been injured in the unrest.
Authorities state that the investigation into the situation is still ongoing.
City MP Arrested in Nairobi Hotel Amid Ongoing Investigation into Anti-Government Protests
