DCI officers rescued from furious mob after arrest goes wrong

A dramatic confrontation unfolded in Kiamanyeki village, Kirinyaga County, as residents clashed with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) attempting to arrest a female resident, Jackline Gatwiri. 

The incident escalated as a mob pursued the officers, accusing them of an attempted abduction and forcing them to release Gatwiri before reinforcement from local police arrived.

Gatwiri recounted that the ordeal began with an unexpected phone call from an unfamiliar number.

“The caller inquired about the availability of pishori rice and placed an order for 20 kilograms,” she said. 

After meeting with the ‘buyer’ a black Subaru with civilian number plates carrying DCI officers arrived, and she was forcefully bundled into the vehicle’s trunk.

The unexpected nature of the arrest and its location in a public area led residents to assume foul play. 

They quickly mobilised, using boda bodas to chase down the officers’ vehicle, eventually cornering it and demanding Gatwiri’s release. 

The mob’s fury peaked with threats to torch the vehicle, prompting the officers to call for backup.

DCI Clarifies Operation

In a statement following the incident, the DCI said that Gatwiri is a suspect in a case of robbery with violence and rape. 

The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation tied to Criminal Case No. 278/33/2024 and Court File No. E381.

“The officers, deployed by the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer, traced the suspect to Kiamanyeki. However, a rowdy mob attacked the officers, demanding the suspect’s release and threatening to destroy their vehicle,” the statement read.

The DCI warned that obstructing police operations and aiding a suspect’s escape are serious offences. 

The DCI cautions members of the public that obstructing police officers in the course of executing their constitutional mandate is a serious criminal offence, and much worse is any attempt to aid the escape of a criminal offender or prisoner. Equally, posing an imminent threat to the life or property of any person is not justifiable under any legal parameters, and will be met with the full force of the law.

Erosion of public trust

Over the year, a wave of reported abductions across Kenya has eroded public trust in law enforcement. 

Incidents of individuals being whisked away by unknown assailants, often in unmarked or government vehicles, have become alarmingly frequent, leaving Kenyans questioning the legitimacy of such operations.

From high-profile cases involving activists and journalists to ordinary citizens vanishing without a trace, the trend has created a climate of fear and suspicion. 

In some cases the DCI has denied involvement, leaving many Kenyans to question who has been behind the incidents. 

Civil society groups and leaders have called for greater transparency and accountability from security agencies. 

They argue that ensuring officers follow proper protocols during arrests is essential to restoring public trust. 

Furthermore, they demand thorough investigations into cases of reported abductions to distinguish between legitimate operations and instances of abuse of power.