Fifty-five people have been arrested and charged in Meru County following attacks on businesses and looting during protests linked to the ongoing fuel crisis, County Police Commander Moses Mutisya has said.
Speaking at his office, Mutisya said police were pursuing more suspects captured on CCTV cameras vandalizing property and stealing goods from business premises during the demonstrations.
“We have the CCTV footage from the scene and we are pursuing all the criminals involved in looting at Rubis Petrol Station in Gitimbine on the outskirts of Meru town. They must face the full force of the law,” said Mutisya.
The police commander said officers had already recovered six 13-kilogram gas cylinders believed to have been stolen during the unrest.
Mutisya said the protests had initially been peaceful before groups of hooligans infiltrated the demonstrations and began looting businesses and attacking property belonging to traders and residents.
“People have a right to demonstrate, but where your right ends, someone else’s right begins,” he said.
He lamented the destruction caused during the protests, saying many affected traders had invested heavily to establish their businesses, some through loans.
Mutisya also confirmed that two police vehicles were stoned during the unrest, while an inspector attached to Gaiki Police Post sustained hand injuries.
The county police boss dismissed reports circulating on social media that three people had been shot dead in Timau during the protests.
He clarified that only one person sustained gunshot injuries after suspected criminals allegedly attempted to storm the Timau Police Station armoury.
“Only one person was shot in the thigh at Timau when criminals wanted to run over the Timau Police Station armoury. Police officers rushed him to hospital where he is recuperating,” he said.
Mutisya further revealed that suspected goons stole at least 500 drums belonging to the Meru County Government in Maua during the chaos.
Security, he said, had since been intensified across the county to prevent further violence and protect businesses and public property.
The police commander appealed to residents to remain peaceful and channel their grievances through lawful means.
“We won’t allow people with hidden agendas to pull others back,” said Mutisya.
He also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help identify those behind the looting and destruction.
