A total of 45 suspects have been arrested in Kikuyu and Nyeri following violent incidents linked to the anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z anti-Finance Bill protests.

In Kikuyu, 24 suspects were nabbed after protesters torched public offices, including the Kikuyu Law Courts and Sub-County offices, and destroyed government vehicles. Police recovered stolen property and secured a 14-day custodial order for investigations.

The twenty-four individuals will remain in custody for 14 days, as police continue investigations into the violent incidents that rocked the town on Wednesday, June 25.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the protests turned violent when demonstrators torched the Kikuyu Law Courts, Kikuyu Sub-County offices, and several government vehicles, including tractors and tuk-tuks.

“As a result, 25 suspects have been arrested and arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at the Ruiru Law Courts. Detectives obtained a 14-day custodial order to complete their investigations,” the statement read.

DCI said the arrests followed a probe launched immediately after the chaos erupted in Kikuyu. During the investigations, law enforcement officers recovered several items reported to have been stolen during the demonstrations.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has condemned the burning of the Kikuyu Law Courts during Wednesday’s anniversary protests, calling it an act of terrorism against Kenya’s justice system.

Speaking during a visit to the site, Koome reassured the public that all 23 judicial staff assigned to the court were safe and accounted for.

“Our biggest concern now is for the people who rely on this court daily to seek justice,” she said during a press briefing. She pointed out that the attack hurts not just key legal work but also grows a risky rule-free way of living.

In Nyeri, 21 suspects were charged with theft-related offences. Ten pleaded guilty and await mention on July 2, while 11 denied the charges and were released on KSh 100,000 bond each, with a mention set for July 10.