The masked detectives operating in unmarked vehicles during the Monday operations in Nairobi and its environs were from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Operations Support Unit (OSU) and had the instructions to use even extrajudicial measures to contain criminal activities. 

A joint security team had identified the possible hotspots and were monitoring the actions and movements of possible organisers through the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and other security agencies. 

The operations were conducted in Kitengela, Githurai, Embakasi’s Pipeline, Ngong, Kiserian, Ongata Rongai, Kiambu, and some parts of Murang’a county, according to the plan.

The masked detectives, operating in unmarked vehicles, were under the command of the OSU boss Zachary Kariuki, a Commissioner of Police. 

Worryingly, some of the officers captured shooting indiscriminately, leading to deaths and serious injuries of even people who were not involved in the operation. 

When asked for comment, National Police Spokesman Michael Muchiri Nyaga said he was yet to be briefed on the details of the officers who used the unmarked Subarus. 

“I am yet to be briefed on the identities of the individuals involved, apart from what I have seen on social media. But once we get full details, we shall get back to you,” Muchiri told the People Daily by telephone. 

Sources within the DCI told People Daily some of the officers from OSU were closely linked to the abductions, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of perceived government critics during last year’s protests. 

DCI boss Mohamed Amin has, however, consistently absolved the investigative agency from any involvement in the abductions, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, though he has failed to explain why nobody has ever been arrested and charged with the incidents. 

On Monday, July 7, 2025, the officers were armed with heavy assault rifles, strolled the city, beating up anybody they came across, firing aimlessly and were captured assaulting a man who was later forced into the boot of their vehicle. 

One of their victims has been identified as 19-year-old Moses Tobiko, who was killed by a stray bullet on Monday night at around 9:30 pm as he was going home in Kiserian, Kajiado North sub-county. 

The police have the right to use justified force while apprehending a suspect or trying to prevent a crime, and may use lethal or non-lethal means, depending on the circumstances. 

Under the National Police Service Act, firearms may only be used when less extreme means are inadequate to save and protect the life of the officers or another person.

They can also be used in self-defence or in defence of another person against an imminent threat to life or serious injury. 

Terror charges 

The State is also proffering serious charges against those arrested. 

In Nyandarua County, seven suspects arrested for committing violent attacks during the Saba Saba demonstrations were arraigned on July 9, 2025, and each was granted a cash bail of Ksh7 million.

At least four suspects who were arrested in Matuu, Machakos County, were transferred from Matuu police to Nairobi, where they were charged at the Kahawa Law Courts with terror-related charges. 

Police say they were part of the demonstrators who stormed and attempted to burn the Matuu police station on June 25, 2025.

The suspects were identified as Aaron Mwau Katungwa, Paul Munyao, Titus Maundu Munuka, and Lawrence Ochieng Wasawa. 

According to the detectives, their actions interfered and disrupted the provision of essential and emergency services, actions considered a terrorist act under Section 2 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). 

Manyatta MP John Mukungi, Stanley Mbuthia Wanjiru (bodaboda operator) and James Ikua Mbochi of Royal Media Services were arraigned at Kahawa Law Courts for custodial orders, in connection with the violence experienced in the region on July 7, 2025. 

In Meru, 50 suspects of violent robbery and arson associated with the torching of Magunas Supermarket, Meru branch, were charged yesterday. 

In Machakos, 66 suspects linked to the setting ablaze of a gas tanker along Kitui road have also been arrested.

About 10 others captured on video footage participating in the crime are being pursued. 

OSU was established in late 2023 and quickly found itself in the eye of the storm following reports that its officers were involved in some killings.

OSU replaced the disbanded Special Services Unit (SSU) after the officers were accused of extrajudicial killings and extortion, among other claims. 

The elite SSU was also disbanded three years after its formation, following the revelation that some of its officers were involved in extrajudicial killings and the abduction and disappearance of two Indian IT specialists. 

Both OSU and the SSU have, however, in the past been complimented for busting serious crimes. 

The Unit, formerly known as the Special Crime Prevention Unit (SCPU), was formed after the former DCI boss George Kinoti disbanded the dreaded Flying Squad Unit and, at the same time, scaled down to a smaller unit the SCPU, and renamed it SSU. 

The Flying Squad was disbanded in December 2019 following reports that it was not effective and people-friendly, but riddled by corruption.

Some of the officers attached to the unit were also found to be aged and unable to conduct swift and delicate operations.