Arrests and Recovery Operation
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers from Igembe South Sub-County carried out an intelligence-led operation in Luluma Village, Makiri area, and Maua Township. During the sweep, they recovered 63 bags of government fertiliser and arrested eight suspects.
The raid also led to the confiscation of one silver Probox and three motorcycles suspected to have been used in transporting the stolen input. Additionally, officers recovered eight bags of cement believed to have been part of the looted stock.
“The operation also led to the seizure of one motor vehicle, a silver Probox with registration number withheld, and three motorcycles. Additionally, eight bags of cement were recovered,” the police report confirmed.
Gov’t Condemns Act as ‘Assault on Food Security’
Speaking on Friday, June 27, Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe condemned the vandalism at the depot, terming it a direct threat to Kenya’s food security.
“The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development unequivocally condemns the vandalism and looting of the NCPB depot in Maua, Meru County, on June 25, 2025,” Kagwe stated.
Chaos Captured on Camera
Footage from the incident captured individuals storming the depot and making away with fertiliser. Later videos showed part of the facility engulfed in flames, with authorities visibly absent.
More Arrests in Kilifi and Ongoing Investigations
In a separate crackdown, 14 suspects were arrested in Malindi, Kilifi County following forensic evidence linking them to property destruction during the same protests.
The DCI noted that the suspects are undergoing processing and will be arraigned in court. Investigations continue as law enforcement follows leads to recover more looted items and identify additional culprits.
Rights Groups Raise Concerns
Meanwhile, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has criticized the recent wave of arrests. In a statement, the organization alleged that some of the suspects were arrested on trumped-up charges and demanded their release.
“We urge the government to ensure due process is followed and that no innocent person is victimized in the name of post-protest investigations,” KHRC stated.
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