Police arrest 67 youths in Western during Saba Saba protests

Anti riot police clear the road in Kitengela during Saba Saba protests, on July 7, 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Police officers in the Western region have arrested 67 youths from Kakamega and Bungoma counties over claims of attempting to loot seven supermarkets during Saba Saba anniversary protests

Speaking in Kakamega town, Western Regional Police Commander Isaa Mohamud said 50 youths were arrested in Maraba, Jua Kali, Amalemba, and Joyland estates in the county.

"We had started witnessing goons in the name of planning to demonstrate, but in a real sense, they were planning to loot the supermarkets. We received information that three to five groups of youths were pelting stones at various supermarkets," said Mohamud.

"The Naivas, Quickmart, Khetias, Chandarana supermarkets, and other supermarkets were the main target of goons who tried to infiltrate the planned demos in Kakamega town, but we have managed to arrest them and they are in our custody,” he added.

Mohamud said the suspects will be arraigned in court to face charges of malicious damage to property.

"We are going to charge them with malicious damage, they have damaged some police vehicles and unlawful assembly and any other charges that will deem fit," said Mohamud.

The police boss said one person was seriously injured after he was attacked by the youths.

"He was an innocent Kenyan while on his way home before the goons attacked him; he lost his mobile phone to the criminals, but our able police officers saved him, and he is now receiving treatment," said Mohamud.

The Police Commander noted that Vihiga and Busia counties experienced calm, however, in Bungoma rowdy youths attempted block the Bungoma-Webuye main road to terrorise travellers and road users, but police managed to disperse them.-Over 170 youths arrested on Sunday with police alleging that they were planning to infiltrate Saba Saba day to loot

Police claims that the suspects were attempting to break into a supermarket.