Police arrest 41 suspects of vandalism and looting in Naivasha

Protesters in Naivasha stormed Naivas, Powerstar, and Khetias Supermarket, vandalizing the stores and looting items during Gen-Z demonstrations on June 25, 2025. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

Police in Naivasha have arrested 41 suspects linked to the looting and destruction of property worth millions of shillings during last week's demonstrations.

The suspects, who include six minors, were apprehended in Naivasha and Mai Mahiu towns as part of a crackdown aimed at holding those responsible for the chaos accountable.

During the demonstrations, organized groups of youths raided Naivas, Powerstar, and Khetias supermarkets, stealing goods worth millions and vandalizing property.

Naivasha DCIO Isaac Kiama confirmed the arrests, stating that some of the suspects have already been arraigned with police seeking more time to detain others as part of their ongoing investigation.

Kiama mentioned that during the crackdown, police successfully recovered some stolen items in the Kabati, Kayole, Kihoto, Karagita, and County Council estates.

"We have so far arrested a total of 41 suspects, and we are actively pursuing others involved in the looting during the Gen-Z protests," he said.

The CID chief also indicated that they are looking for a group of traders who purchased the stolen items.

Protesters in Naivasha stormed Naivas, Powerstar, and Khetias Supermarket, vandalizing the stores and looting items during Gen-Z demonstrations on June 25, 2025. [Antony Gitonga, Standard]

In a separate incident, police in the lakeside town are investigating a case where armed men killed a guard near Fai Amarios brewery during a botched robbery attempt.

During this incident, an unknown number of assailants attacked the guard with crude weapons, ultimately leaving him to bleed to death.

According to Kiama, the assailants had invaded an abandoned facility along the Naivasha-Mai Mahiu road with the intent to steal metal bars intended for construction. When the night guard confronted them, they violently assaulted him, leading to his death.

"We have opened an inquest into the incident. The body has been taken to the local mortuary, and it's only a matter of time before we apprehend those responsible," he stated.