Nakuru County, have apprehended 14 individuals involved in the theft and vandalism of property worth millions at the residence of National Assembly Finance and Planning Committee Chairman, Kimani Kuria.
The arrests follow a tumultuous week marked by youth-led anti-government protests that escalated into violent confrontations.
During the operation, security agents successfully recovered some of the stolen items, including four of the seven cows reported missing, various household goods, and electronics.
Unfortunately, one cow had already been slaughtered.
“Among the items recovered are four cows out of the seven that were reported missing, valued at Sh300,000 each, along with household items like blankets, tables, chairs, electronics, and a printer,” stated Molo sub-county police commander Timon Odingo.
Odingo further emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation, vowing to continue the manhunt until all culprits are apprehended and justice is served.
“Following the arrest of the 14 people, a manhunt will continue until all the culprits are brought to book.
Those arrested will face various charges, including arson and theft,” he added.
The police are also investigating potential political motivations behind the incident.
“We suspect that the theft and subsequent destruction of property were orchestrated by political interests.
Those found culpable will face the full wrath of the law. Our investigations are ongoing, and we are committed to bringing all perpetrators to book regardless of their status,” Odingo said in an interview.
The unrest began as peaceful protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed unpopular taxes on bread and motor vehicles.
However, the demonstrations quickly turned violent, leading to widespread destruction.
The bill, which has since been withdrawn by President William Ruto, sparked nationwide outrage and positioned Kuria at the center of the controversy as chairman of the relevant parliamentary committee.
During the protests, the MP’s property sustained extensive damage. Two motor vehicles were torched, a third vehicle, a Ford Ranger, had its windscreen smashed, and several windows of his maisonette were shattered.
Protesters also stole and burned hundreds of chickens, resulting in the death of about 2,000 birds, and set fire to part of Kuria’s poultry shed housing 10,000 chickens.
Additionally, seven cows and 29 goats were either stolen or killed.
As police intensify their search for additional suspects, they are relying on CCTV footage from Kuria’s home to aid their investigation.
The 14 arrested individuals are expected to appear in court to face charges related to the theft and vandalism.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of recent protests and the dire consequences of politically charged violence.
It also highlights the determination of law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable, irrespective of their political affiliations or status.
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