Over 1,500 Arrested as Government Cracks Down on Nationwide Chaos

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, has released a detailed report on the investigations into the violent chaos and looting witnessed in parts of the country during the anti-government protests on June 25 and July 7, 2025.

What began as scattered disturbances quickly spiraled into a wave of chaos that swept through towns and cities across the country. Supermarkets were stormed, shopping malls ransacked, petrol bombs thrown, and even hospitals disrupted, all under the cover of what some claimed was protest, but what the government now calls deliberate criminal anarchy.

In a stern and detailed update, the CS broke down what exactly happened and what the government is doing about it. According to the report, over 1,500 people have been arrested across the country, facing a wide range of serious charges including terrorism, murder, robbery, sexual assault, malicious damage and sabotage of critical infrastructure.

The CS strongly condemned the violent unrest resulting in 42 deaths and close to 600 injuries, in what he described as “unprecedented terror.” Among the injured were 496 law enforcement officers, a number the CS described as deeply troubling.

“One life lost is one too many. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and to all who suffered trauma and loss — poleni sana,” he said.

According to the Ministry, public infrastructure bore the brunt of the destruction. Police stations, government offices, vehicles and even a hospital were targeted by anarchist elements.

Murkomen warned that the theft of firearms and ammunition during the attacks points to a coordinated effort to weaken the state’s ability to uphold law and order.

“When a police post is raided or razed, it leaves the public at the mercy of dangerous criminals,” he cautioned.

In Naivasha, Nakuru County, angry mobs descended on Quickmart, Naivas and Powerstar supermarkets, looting goods in broad daylight. Police quickly moved in, arresting 100 suspects.

In Ruiru Kiambu County, Quickmart and Carrefour supermarkets were raided in a similar fashion and by the end of the second day, 86 people had been arrested.

Further north in Nyeri, a Naivas supermarket was broken into, with 21 suspects now in custody. 

Meanwhile, in Kasarani, Nairobi, the popular Mountain Mall fell victim to looters and 44 individuals were arrested. Additional arrests followed at Kassmart supermarket nearby.

Things escalated in Meru, where rioters hurled petrol bombs and looted shops, leading to 40 arrests. 

In Kirinyaga, a supermarket known as Nice City was looted, and hospitals were caught in the crossfire, two health facilities were disrupted, with 21 people arrested in the aftermath.

The violence was not random, the Cabinet Secretary stressed. It was organised, coordinated and fueled by individuals with political and criminal motives. The Serious Crimes Investigations Unit is currently handling 71 active cases, while the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit has launched investigations into suspected terror-related activities linked to the chaos.

Behind the scenes, it was a race against time. Intelligence units worked around the clock to protect critical installations, transport systems, government buildings, and communication infrastructure. According to the statement, this swift response prevented what could have turned into a full-blown national emergency.

The government’s position is clear — This was not a protest, but a calculated attempt to destabilise the country. The Constitution allows for peaceful assembly and demonstration but what happened on those days, the Cabinet Secretary said, “was a betrayal of that right.” 

Investigations into the financiers and political sponsors behind the violence are underway, with legal consequences looming.

Citizens, the government says, must choose the path of peace and reject any calls to violence. And in a firm warning, the Cabinet Secretary declared that law enforcement officers will not hesitate to use force, including firearms if necessary to protect lives and restore order.

As the country takes stock of the damage, the message from the top is resolute — This reign of lawlessness will end. The government, backed by intelligence and legal might, is determined to ensure that Kenya never again experiences such coordinated terror in the name of protest.