An anti-riot police vehicle drives past the aftermath of protests in Kitengela during during Saba Saba protest in Kitengela [Collins Oduor/Standard]
×
The Standard e-Paper
Informed Minds Prefer The Standard
An anti-riot police vehicle drives past the aftermath of protests in Kitengela during during Saba Saba protest in Kitengela [Collins Oduor/Standard]
A protester who circulated a video of himself threatening to burn down a police station after setting fire to several vehicles at Villa Police Station in Embakasi during demonstrations on June 25 is now under investigation.
The suspect, identified as Sebastian Gitanga, was arrested after he allegedly led a group of individuals in torching multiple cars of unknown value within the station's yard.
The protests, held in honour of victims of last year's anti-government Finance Bill demonstrations, coincided with this year's Saba Saba commemorations.
On Tuesday, investigating officer Josphat Makai presented Gitanga before Senior Resident Magistrate Praxidese Oduke at the Makadara Law Courts.
The magistrate granted the police 14 days to detain the suspect while investigations into the arson attack continue.
In a sworn affidavit, police claim that Gitanga was among a group of eight who stormed the police station yard and set several vehicles ablaze before threatening to burn the entire station down.
According to Officer Makai, Gitanga had previously recorded a video during the June 25 protest, in which he threatened to return and torch the station.
"On July 3, at around 11:40am, the respondent shared a video of himself on WhatsApp, claiming he would revisit and burn Villa Police Station during the Saba Saba protests," the affidavit states.
Police officers, who had been on high alert, swiftly apprehended the suspect in the Mukuru kwa Njenga area. He was taken into custody.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!
