The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 12 people following an incident in which a group of youths allegedly attempted to block First Lady Rachel Ruto’s convoy in Siaya town.
The incident happened on Tuesday, September 8, shortly after Rachel attended a women’s economic empowerment event at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds in Siaya.
According to the DCI, the youths tried to force their way through a secured gate as the convoy headed to a designated landing and take-off site.
Police officers deployed to secure the entrance moved in to contain the situation after the group allegedly became unruly and started throwing stones at them.
“Law enforcement officers in Siaya have arrested 12 suspects following a chaotic incident in which a group of rowdy youth attempted to obstruct a convoy of dignitaries in Siaya town,” the DCI said.
The officers managed to restore order, with 12 people believed to have been involved in the incident taken into custody.
The suspects are being held at a police station in Siaya as detectives complete their investigations before they are taken to court.
The DCI said investigations are still ongoing and warned that more arrests could follow if other people are found to have taken part in the disturbance.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing processing, pending arraignment, as detectives continue investigations with a view to bringing to book any other persons found to have been involved in the incident,” the agency said.
The incident adds to a series of security concerns involving senior government officials this year.
In May, President William Ruto’s security detail was breached during a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County, when a man carrying a Bible made his way through several security cordons and approached the President.
The incident prompted Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to order changes to the security arrangements around the President.
The latest incident in Siaya is likely to draw further attention to the security measures put in place during public engagements involving senior government officials.
