Police in Homa Bay County have arrested at least 40 suspects accused of looting businesses and damaging property during protests that erupted in Homa Bay Town on Thursday night following the arrest of Kassim Abdi.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the suspects were arrested between Friday and Sunday as police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers intensified operations to apprehend those involved in the unrest.
For the past three days, security officers have conducted day and night raids in various estates within Homa Bay Town in a bid to restore order and recover stolen property.
Koilem said the suspects were among youths who initially staged protests following the arrest of Abdi and seven other members of his team but later allegedly turned to looting business premises and destroying property.
During the Thursday night incidents, the youths reportedly broke into several businesses within the town and stole goods valued at millions of shillings, leaving traders counting losses.
The police commander said officers had recovered several items believed to have been stolen during the unrest, alongside crude weapons allegedly found in the possession of some of the suspects.
The 40 suspects are being held at Homa Bay County Police Station and are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.
Koilem said the security operation would continue for another week as officers pursue other suspects believed to have participated in the looting and destruction of property.
He added that the operation would also be extended to other towns within Homa Bay County as police move to curb criminal activities and maintain security.
Thereafter, the police boss said, the suspects will be arraigned in court to face charges levelled against them.
The arrests follow heightened security operations in the town after Thursday night's unrest, which disrupted businesses and raised concerns among traders over the safety of their premises and property.
