Activists dismiss DCI’s claim linking three men in police custody to June 25 violence
Human rights defender Rachael Mwikali (center), accompanied by other activists, speaks to the media outside Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi on June 28, 2025.
What you need to know:
- According to detectives, the three were arrested following investigation that linked them to the protests.
- A police report indicates that the three were flushed out of a Mombasa-bound bus at the Konza City area.
The families of three suspects being held at Muthaiga Police Station have dismissed allegations that they sponsored the recent demonstrations which was witnessed in 27 counties.
This follows the arrest of John Mulingwa Nzau alias Garang, Mark Amiani alias Generali and Francis Mutunge Mwangi alias Chebukati by DCI detectives on Friday night.
According to detectives, the three were arrested following preliminary investigation that linked them to the demonstration that was witnessed on Wednesday, claiming that they incited goons to violence, massive theft and destruction of property.
However, the arrests have been condemned by activists.
Activists outside Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi on June 28, 2025, where they demanded the release of three activists arrested over the protests that happened on June 25, 2025.
In a statement, the Police Reforms Working Group — an alliance of 22 organisations pushing for accountable policing — said the three an known activists but played no role in the demos.
“We strongly disagree with the narrative. We urge the State not to use the events of June 25 as a pretext for criminalising peaceful protest, silencing dissent, delegitimizing human rights work and shrinking civic space protected by our constitution,” the lobby group said.
The group has asked the National Police Service to unconditionally release the three and called for cessation of all acts of intimidation, harassment and reprisals against activists.
Mutunge’s mother Gladys Kanini and his wife Daisy Achieng, said that their relative had not hired thugs and that they were worried about his status in police custody.
Gladys Kanini mother of arrested activist Francis Mwangi outside Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi on June 28, 2025.
The family said that they have not been allowed to see him since, and they only learned through friends that he had been arrested.
“I have come here to see my son but I have been chased like a dog. I just want to know from police what exactly my son did that led to his arrest,” Ms Kanini said.
Death in police custody
Ms Achieng said that her husband's arrest had frightened them and that they had not been able to sleep following the recent case of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody at Central Police Station.
“I don’t know what he did that led to his arrest. He left the house in the morning while in good health. I have not been allowed to see my husband…what are they hiding from us? Am pleading with the government not to hurt him,” Ms Achieng said.
Daisy Achieng the wife of arrested activist Francis Mwangi outside Muthaiga Police Station in Nairobi on June 28, 2025.
Human rights defenders who converged at Muthaiga Police Station on Saturday claimed that the State has changed its narrative after arresting the three activists.
Ruth Mumbi said that the three have been wrongly arrested, and that the government should arrest the real criminals who have been captured uttering words that threatens peace and unity.
“We are here to clarify that protesters were not criminals, they were only exercising their democratic right and we know where the goons are. We have the evidence, it was recorded and well documented by the Kenyan media and international media,” Ms Mumbi said.
She said that the three activists only asked Kenyans to come out and exercise their rights, but did not direct goons to cause mayhem as alleged by the detectives.
“They did not organize violence, what they did is to organize communities and people of Kenya to stand for their rights. It is sad that we still see those goons and criminals out there enjoying freedom and yet our freedom fighters are the ones who are being criminalized for raising their voices.”
According to the police report, the three were flushed out of a Mombasa-bound bus at the Konza City area following an in-depth forensic investigation triggered by testimonies from concerned and affected citizens.
“Among others who have already been identified and are being pursued, the suspects had planned to hole up at a coastal hideout to evade police dragnet, oblivious that justice would catch up with them sooner or later,” DCI said.
They are expected to be arraigned on Monday to face several charges including malicious damage to property, arson, stealing and incitement to violence and disobedience of the law may be preferred.