Man arrested over burning down of car during fuel protests in Nairobi

The suspect, identified as Elisha Karanja Gatwa, was apprehended in Ruiru following investigations that established crucial leads linking him to the incident.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Gatwa was arrested after detectives pieced together evidence from the scene of the arson attack, which occurred during the protests.

He is currently being processed as detectives continue with investigations aimed at identifying and arresting other individuals suspected of participating in the criminal act.

The DCI warned that individuals found culpable will be pursued and subjected to the full force of the law as investigations into the incident continue.

The arrest comes as chaos was witnessed in Githurai and neighbouring sections of Thika Road in mid-May as protests erupted over increased fuel prices. 

According to Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud, 225 people were arrested following the protests. 

The demonstrations coincided with the nationwide strike by transport sector players, prompting transport services to be paralysed across major towns and highways. 

The strike ended after the government pledged several relief measures, including a diesel price cut, insurance reforms, and protection for public service vehicle (PSV) operators from vehicle auctioneering