This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
On Thursday, Embu County witnessed violent protests that left one person dead and property destroyed. The protests were sparked by the release of seven murder suspects by the court due to lack of evidence.
According to reports, a group of angry residents went on a rampage at Itumbi area and Kiamuringa Centre in Mbeere South. At Itumbi, a rental house belonging to one of the freed suspects, Michael Gitonga Mbogo alias Mbuu, was burnt down by a group of about 500 irate residents. The protesters also set ablaze two houses with all household items at Mbuu's parent's home, killing two goats and a cow.
At Kiamuringa Centre, another group of boda boda riders pursued and burnt to death 35-year-old David Kinyua, a suspect, at Kimangaru area. Police from Kithimu and Itabua tried to restrain further damage to property but were unsuccessful.
Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) George Kinoti has launched an investigation into the incident and has asked for the court proceedings to understand the circumstances under which the suspects were freed. Kinoti has also applied for a warrant of arrest for the remaining suspects.
One of the freed suspects has been re-arrested, and the DCI is seeking to appeal the court's decision to release the suspects.
