A prison warden attached to an anti-riot unit in Nairobi was on Sunday robbed of his G3 rifle during chaotic Saba Saba protests in the Majengo slums. The incident occurred in the Mombasa Ndogo area of Shauri Moyo, where the officer, a senior sergeant, had been deployed alongside other prison wardens to support police operations.
According to a police report, the officer was ambushed by a gang that chased him down, causing him to slip and fall. His colleagues reportedly fled the scene, leaving him vulnerable. The gang seized his loaded G3 rifle containing 20 live rounds and 51 blanks and disappeared into the dense slum area.
The officer sustained multiple injuries to his left forearm, shoulder, hip, and leg during the altercation. His mobile phone and riot gear helmet were also stolen. He was taken to hospital in fair condition, police said.
The theft prompted a late evening operation in Majengo as police scrambled to recover the rifle. Despite the heavy deployment, the weapon was not immediately retrieved.
This incident was part of a broader wave of unrest as Saba Saba protests rocked at least 17 counties. The demonstrations, which began peacefully, quickly devolved into violent confrontations. Police confirmed that 11 people lost their lives, 52 officers were injured, and 114 civilians sustained various injuries.
The chaos also left a trail of destruction. A total of 125 police vehicles, 36 government vehicles, and 47 civilian vehicles were damaged. Properties of unknown value were also destroyed in the melee.
Police reported that 567 people were arrested across the country in connection to the protests. In a statement, the National Police Service acknowledged the majority of Kenyans for heeding calls for peace but condemned the violent elements who infiltrated the demonstrations.
Police spokesman Michael Muchiri lauded officers for showing restraint and professionalism despite sustained provocation. He assured the public that each reported incident, including the rifle theft, would be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the law.
