Tension is high across the Mt Kenya region following claims that unfamiliar youths were ferried into towns to participate in Monday’s Saba Saba protests, leading to violence and destruction of property.
In Murang’a town, residents reported spotting busloads of unknown individuals arriving on Sunday night. The strangers, described as speaking in unfamiliar dialects, loitered the streets throughout Monday, raising suspicion. Locals, fearing potential chaos, closed businesses and left town early to avoid confrontations.
“I have seen many strange faces today,” said Samuel Njuguna, a boda boda operator. “I even went for my kids at school early just to be safe.”
Peter Njoroge, a fruit vendor, echoed similar concerns, fearing looting of his stall. His fears were confirmed when the unfamiliar group marched to Mukuyu market, lit bonfires, and erected barricades despite a heavy police presence.
A police helicopter landed at Ihura Stadium to supply officers, who later clashed with the protesters until the early hours of Tuesday.
In Kabati and Kenol towns, youths again unfamiliar to locals looted mobile phone shops and attempted to raid supermarkets. Police were overwhelmed, and residents could only watch as goods were carted away. “We know everyone around here. These were not our people,” said David Kimani, another boda boda operator.
Kirinyaga and Embu counties experienced similar chaos. In Mwea, the Nice Digital City was vandalised, and a County Supermarket branch looted. In Embu’s Kiritiri area, one person was killed, while two more deaths were reported in Nyeri during confrontations with police.
Authorities, including Murang’a acting County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha, are investigating reports that youths were transported from other regions. He called on boda boda operators to assist in identifying the outsiders and warned of stern action against anyone found guilty of orchestrating the chaos.
The influx of unknown protesters has left locals shaken, prompting calls for tighter surveillance and stronger community policing to prevent further disruption and infiltration of peaceful protests by violent elements. As investigations continue, questions remain over who organized the transportation of the youths and their true motives.
