Former Machakos County Executive Urbanus Wambua to be Questioned Over Arson Linked to June 25 Protest
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned former Machakos County Executive Committee Member Urbanus Wambua to record a statement in connection with the alleged arson of Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse’s hotel during the June 25 protests.
According to Wambua’s lawyer Advocate Ndegwa Njiru, the former county official will be at the DCI headquarters on Kiambu Road today. Senator Dan Maanzo will also be accompanying him.
“Today I and Sen. Dan Maanzo shall be appearing before the DCI Kiambu Road, representing former Urbanus Wambua who is being accused of burning down Mr. Mwengi Mutuse’s hotel at Wote,” Njiru posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
The hotel in Wote town, Makueni County was one of the properties that was vandalized and set on fire during the protests. Initial police reports had attributed the destruction to rioters but investigations have since raised the possibility of political motives behind the attack on the hotel.
The DCI is investigating whether the incident was a premeditated operation or an isolated act of protest violence. Officials have not released the list of individuals or entities under investigation but confirmed Wambua is among those being questioned over the arson.
The June 25 protests, which were initially a commemorative protest, were marred by chaos and destruction in major towns including Nairobi, Eldoret and Wote. Armed individuals infiltrated the peaceful protests and attacked demonstrators, looted businesses and set properties on fire. Several police stations and government offices were also targeted.
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Nationwide, business owners have reported huge losses with many establishments damaged or destroyed. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has estimated the total economic loss during the protests to be in hundreds of millions of shillings but a full audit is ongoing.The hotel incident has gained more political attention since it involves MP Mwengi Mutuse. Mutuse had recently sponsored the motion to impeach former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for abuse of office and accumulation of wealth without explanation. The motion passed amidst great political divisions and therefore the attack on Mutuse’s property is a national issue.
As of now the DCI has not issued a statement on the outcome of Wambua’s questioning and no charges have been preferred. Investigations are ongoing.
Former Machakos County Executive Urbanus Wambua to be Questioned Over Arson Linked to June 25 Protest
