Police arrested Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Dishen Angoya over claims that he unlawfully released 64 suspects arrested during Monday’s nationwide fuel strike protests.
A police occurrence book (OB) report filed at Lang’ata Police Station stated that officers arrested Chief Inspector Dishen Angoya at around noon on Tuesday.
The operation was reportedly led by the Deputy Regional Police Commander over allegations of abuse of office.
According to investigators, Dishen Angoya freed the 64 suspects without lawful authority after police had arrested them in connection with public order offenses during the demonstrations.
Police also alleged his conduct constituted the improper award of benefits to the suspects, leading to immediate investigations.
The officer was later arrested at Lang’ata Police Station, where arrangements were being made to present him in the Kibera Law Courts. Reports also said Dishen Angoya complained of high blood pressure while in detention.
The arrest follows reports of violence and destruction during Monday’s nationwide protests over rising fuel prices, which are still under investigation by security agencies.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said police arrested more than 300 suspects during the unrest, with criminal gangs allegedly infiltrating the demonstrations.
Protesters in Nairobi, Githurai, Kitengela, and other towns blocked roads, looted businesses and destroyed property worth millions of shillings in chaotic protests.
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Four people died, and more than 30 others were injured in the protests, Murkomen said. He also said the government would take legal action against those involved in looting, arson, and vandalism.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority increased fuel prices, pushing diesel prices in Nairobi above KSh240 per litre and triggering the protests.
EPRA later lowered diesel prices by KSh 10.06 per litre following pressure from transport operators and the public. However, matatu operators said the reduction was insufficient to end the ongoing PSV strike.
