Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that 355 people were taken into custody nationwide following the demonstrations on June 25 to commemorate Gen Z’s anniversary, linking the suspects to alleged criminal acts reported during the protests. Speaking at a press briefing on that day, Murkomen said the number could increase as investigations progress. He added that the detainees would face several charges, including robbery, property damage, road obstruction, and attempted theft.
Nairobi recorded the highest figure, with 161 arrests, followed by Kajiado’s 123, Kiambu’s 36, Murang’a 12, Bungoma 9, Meru 6, Laikipia 5 and Machakos 3. No detentions were recorded in the North Eastern, Nyanza and Coast regions.
Murkomen explained that security agencies had acted on credible intelligence that groups were being transported into Nairobi to spark unrest during the memorial events, and that thorough checks on major roads entering the capital helped prevent chaos, albeit causing some delays.
He noted that most commemorations proceeded peacefully, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa, where victims’ families held memorial processions. He reported no widespread looting, vandalism, skirmishes or injuries in connection with the demonstrations.
The secretary praised the public for remaining calm, highlighting that routine economic activities continued across most parts of the country despite heightened security measures.