Angry Mob Blocks DCI Arrest

A tense situation unfolded on Sunday when police attempted to arrest Jackline Gatwiri, a suspect implicated in a robbery with violence and rape case. The incident escalated as a rowdy mob confronted officers in Mwea East, demanding the suspect’s release.

According to law enforcement officials, the detectives, part of a coordinated mission led by Kirinyaga Central detectives, were apprehending Gatwiri based on information received during an ongoing criminal investigation. They located her in Kiamanyeki village and swiftly executed the arrest.

However, as officers secured the suspect in their government vehicle (registration no. KBZ 684Y), they were encircled by an agitated crowd threatening to set the vehicle alight unless Gatwiri was released.

This prompted local authorities, including police, the area chief, and Nyumba Kumi leaders, to step in to defuse the volatile situation.

It has now emerged that she was a suspect in a robbery and rape case.

“The officers had been deployed by the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer to pursue the runaway suspect named in an ongoing Criminal Case No. 278/33/2024 and Court File No. E381, who traced the suspect, Jackline Gatwiri to the village and moved in swiftly to effect the arrest.”

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) condemned the mob’s actions in a statement, emphasizing that obstructing police officers while performing their duties is a serious offense under the law.

“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 imminent threat to life or property of any person is not justifiable under any legal parameters, and will be met with the full force of the law.”