What was expected to be a peaceful nationwide protest against rising fuel prices on Monday descended into chaos when groups of thugs in Kitengela, Kajiado County, began harassing motorists, blocking roads and turning away stranded commuters.
The angry youths took to the streets in the early hours of the morning, taking control of the busy Namanga Highway and multiple feeder roads and shutting down transport and business activities.
Protesters burn tyres in Kitengela during demonstrations against rising fuel prices.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
Motorists and boda boda riders were pelted with stones, and commuters heading to the bus terminus were turned away. Some commuters had their valuables stolen by the thugs.
"The high fuel prices affect all of us. We must stand together to arm-twist the government. The motorists and Tuk Tuk riders operating are sell outs. They need to be punished," shouted one of the goons who had lit bonfires along Deliverance Road.
Protesters burn tyres in Kitengela during demonstrations against rising fuel prices.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
However, passengers who managed to get to the Kitengela bus terminus were stranded, considering most PSV operators had pulled their vehicles off the roads.
All businesses in the Kitengela CBD were closed during the morning, with owners fearing looting. Others were reportedly blocked by thugs from accessing their premises. Major supermarkets were also closed.
Protesters burn tyres in Kitengela during demonstrations against rising fuel prices.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
Daniel Kung’u, an eatery operator, said he was forced to close in a huff an hour after opening in the morning when he realised the situation was getting out of hand.
"The economy is tough but it's better not to make a sale than losing your entire capital to goons," said Kung'u.
As the melee unfolded, a contingent of regular police officers watched from a distance, avoiding provoking the youths.
Isinya Sub-County Police Commander Simon Lokitari told Nation that police officers were on high alert to thwart looting of business premises or any other form of violence.
"Police officers had been deployed in strategic points in Kitengela Town. We will not allow motorists or commuters harassment. We will advance at appropriate time," said Lokitari, evading the issue of goons recorded harassing motorists.
Protesters in Kitengela demonstrate against rising fuel prices.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation
At the Namanga One Stop Border Point (OSBP), hundreds of transit trailers were parked on both the Kenya and Tanzania sides of the border. Several PSV buses were spotted adopting a 'wait-and-see approach'.
Recently, the rapidly growing Kitengela town has become an epicenter of protests that usually get hijacked by goons and degenerate into chaos, leaving a trace of losses and casualties.
