Chaos erupted along Nairobi’s Thika Road after protesters allegedly torched a vehicle belonging to a politician affiliated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance, prompting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to launch investigations into the dramatic incident.
In a statement issued following the unrest, the DCI confirmed that detectives had already begun analysing viral footage circulating online in a bid to identify suspects linked to the torching of a Mazda CX-5 during Wednesday’s protests.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has received and is currently analysing viral video footage that is believed to feature individuals among the prime suspects involved in the torching of a Mazda CX-5 along Thika Road during today’s protests,” the agency stated.
The shocking scenes unfolded as demonstrators clashed along the busy highway, with thick smoke billowing into the air as the vehicle burned. Traffic ground to a halt, leaving hundreds of motorists stranded amid running battles between protesters and police.
The DCI appealed to members of the public to assist investigators by identifying individuals captured in the widely shared clips.
“The DCI urges members of the public who may recognise any individuals captured in the footage or possess relevant information regarding the incident that may aid in the ongoing investigations to share the information promptly at the nearest police station,” the statement added.
Authorities warned that the incident endangered lives and caused significant destruction of property, insisting that investigations remain active as detectives pursue those responsible.
The latest attack comes amid growing concerns over what government officials describe as targeted violence against individuals and businesses linked to pro-government figures.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen claimed that Khetias Supermarket, reportedly associated with a UDA politician, had also been torched during the unrest.
In a separate incident, a UDA party office in Wote was set ablaze as protests escalated across several counties, with Murkomen vowing that those involved would be “brought to book”.
The violence also spread to other parts of the country, with supermarkets in Naivasha and Nyeri reportedly looted, alongside a Coca-Cola depot in Kitengela and multiple businesses in Meru.
Arson attacks further intensified the chaos, with vehicles reportedly set ablaze in Nairobi’s Githurai area and Naivasha, while key infrastructure sustained damage after protesters erected burning barricades along major roads, including the airport-to-CBD expressway.
Police vehicles were also damaged during confrontations between anti-riot officers and demonstrators in several parts of the capital.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that at least nine people had died during the protests, although human rights organisations claimed the actual death toll could be significantly higher than officially reported.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service insisted it remained committed to protecting lives and property, warning that individuals exploiting protests to engage in criminal acts would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
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