“No Legitimate Protests In Crime”- DCI Warns Public As 710 Arrested Across the Country
Image: A picture taken on May 16, 2016 in Nairobi shows Kenyan riot police beating an unresponsive fallen protester with wooden sticks until they break and repeatedly kick him several times. The incident has caused Kenya's police chief to order an internal investigation into the incident and other reported incidents of police brutality on the day. Police fired tear gas and beat opposition demonstrators with truncheons on May 16 to stop them storming the offices of the electoral commission in Nairobi as they demanded new commissioners to be named ahead of elections due in August 2017. / AFP / CARL DE SOUZA (Photo credit should read CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a stern warning to the public against hijacking the ongoing transport sector strikes to commit crimes, confirming that 710 suspects have already been arrested nationwide.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 19, 2026—as the matatu strike entered its second paralyzing day—the DCI emphasized that while the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, criminal acts will be met with the full force of the law.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) strongly cautions members of the public against turning legitimate demonstrations into criminal activities,” the agency stated. “Acts of violence, looting, arson, road blockades, destruction of property, attacks on police or motorists, and any acts that endanger lives are serious criminal offences.”
Trail of Destruction Across Counties
The DCI’s warning follows a trail of chaos witnessed during Monday’s opening wave of protests, where criminal elements exploited the transport gridlock to loot businesses and destroy property.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed several high-profile incidents of arson and vandalism, including the torching of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party offices in Wote, Makueni County, and the burning of a commercial truck belonging to a UDA Member of Parliament. In addition, a motorist’s Mazda CX-5 was set ablaze along the Thika Superhighway, and a major supermarket was targeted and looted in Nakuru County.
Nationwide Crackdown: 710 Arrested
Detectives have launched aggressive, multi-regional investigations to track down the orchestrators of the violence. Out of the 710 suspects apprehended so far, the Rift Valley region recorded the highest number of crackdowns with 259 arrests, followed closely by Nairobi with 189, and Central Kenya with 142. Eastern region authorities detained 103 suspects, while Western and Coast regions recorded 10 and 7 arrests respectively.
The agency noted that a significant number of these suspects have already been arraigned in various courts to face public order and destruction of property charges.
“No One is Above the Law”
The DCI reiterated that accountability will extend beyond those caught on the streets, warning that individuals organising, financing, inciting, or participating in criminal acts will face the full force of the law.
The security crackdown comes as major towns, particularly Nairobi, remain in a transport deadlock. Striking operators have kept their vehicles grounded, insisting they will only resume work once the government offers a substantial reduction in fuel prices.
