Police in Meru County have arrested three suspects believed to be behind the arson attack that razed down Magunas Supermarket during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest of Ian Mugambi, Abdulatif Murithi, and Teddy Kaimenyi in a well-coordinated operation. The trio was allegedly captured on CCTV looting and later setting fire to the supermarket.

In a statement released on Sunday, July 13, the DCI said the same footage showed the suspects also breaking into and stealing from the Seven Eleven Lounge and Selelite Supermarket on the same night.

Detectives recovered a dark green motorcycle believed to have been used during the crimes. The three suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned once processing is complete.

“The suspects are undergoing interrogation as efforts to apprehend more individuals involved in the July 7 incident intensify,” the DCI said, urging members of the public to share any information that could aid ongoing investigations.

The protests, held under the Saba Saba banner, left a trail of destruction in Meru town, with several businesses reporting extensive damage and losses.

Meanwhile, in Kagio, Kirinyaga County, nine individuals were arrested on Thursday, July 10, following a targeted security operation linked to looting during the same protests.

Acting on intelligence, officers raided several homes in Kagio and its outskirts, recovering various stolen items. Among the recovered goods were a 50-inch LG TV, washing machine, power backup unit, CPU, monitor, three glass tables, two mattresses, household supplies, perfumes, and foodstuffs.

Preliminary investigations suggest the stolen property came from County Supermarket and Cash-Cash Club, both of which were looted during the July 7 unrest.

The nine suspects have since been arraigned as police continue to pursue other culprits and recover more stolen items.

The National Police Service has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against looting, vandalism, and property destruction during protests.

“We remain alert and fully committed to safeguarding lives and property across the country,” the statement read.