At least 26 vehicles belonging to the Nyandarua County government were torched on Wednesday, June 25, during nationwide demonstrations marking the first anniversary of the 2023 anti-Finance Bill protests. The vehicles were set ablaze while parked at the Olkalou sub-county offices, in what county officials have described as a significant loss.
In addition to the vehicles, 18 government-owned motorbikes and newly purchased public address equipment were also destroyed in the fire. According to the county administration, five of the 26 vehicles had already been grounded at the time of the incident, while the rest were in active service.
Eyewitnesses reported tense scenes in Olkalou town, with protesters barricading roads using stones and debris, forcing police officers to respond with tear gas in prolonged running battles. The demonstrations in Nyandarua mirrored similar scenes across the country, as citizens took to the streets to express continued frustration over the rising cost of living and governance concerns.
The protests, which erupted across major cities and towns including Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kakamega, Narok, Busia, Makueni, Nyeri, Laikipia, Machakos, Homa Bay, and Kirinyaga turned deadly in several areas.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), in its late evening update, reported that at least eight people lost their lives during the unrest. The fatalities were recorded in Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).
The commission also documented over 400 injuries, affecting protesters, police officers, and journalists. While the majority of the injured were treated and discharged, 83 individuals were referred for specialised medical attention.
The widespread demonstrations mark a troubling reminder of the tensions that sparked the initial anti-Finance Bill protests in 2023. As investigations into the destruction and loss of life continue, calls for restraint and meaningful dialogue between the government and the public have grown louder.
County officials in Nyandarua have condemned the destruction of public property and called for swift action to ensure accountability and prevent further escalation.
