The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned members of the public against engaging in unlawful activities during the ongoing transport sector protests.

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DCI, in a notice issued on Tuesday, May 19, warned that law enforcement agencies will take firm action against those found engaging in unlawful activities, even as the Matatu strike enters its second day.

While the Constitution guaranteed the right to peaceful assembly, the DCI emphasised that any acts of violence, looting, or destruction of property constitute serious offences and will not be tolerated.

"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) strongly cautions members of the public against turning legitimate demonstrations into criminal activities," DCI stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

"While every Kenyan has the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, 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," it added.

The warning follows incidents witnessed on Monday, when the transport sector strike and demonstrations turned chaotic as criminals took advantage of the incident to loot and destroy properties.

Notable incidents during the Monday protests are the torching of UDA offices in Wote, Makueni county, the burning of a truck owned by UDA MP and the burning of a Mazda CX-5 vehicle along Thika Road.

Another is the looting of a supermarket in Nakuru County, among other incidents, as confirmed by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday.

Following the incidents on Monday, DCI revealed that investigations into the demonstrations are ongoing, with the agency confirming 710 arrests nationwide in connection with various offences.

According to the authority, 189 suspects were from Nairobi, 259 from Rift Valley, while Central Kenya recorded 142 arrests.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke