At least five people were confirmed dead following a protest against fuel prices in Kenya.
The protests were called by public service operators following recent adjustments of fuel in Kenya that saw diesel shooting to Sh242 and petrol retailing at Sh214.
The historic increase in diesel was seen as direct punishment to the citizens by the administration that promised to cushion the low income earners.
But what was expected to be a peaceful protest turned chaotic with some deaths being reported along Thika Road and Nakuru where it is suspected that some victims succumbed to gunshots.
In Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city businesses remained closed while some motorists were attacked and torched.
By 4pm over 200 people had been arrested, Nairobi County Police Commander Issa Mohamud said.
While describing activities witnessed on some roads in the city as criminal actions, Mohamud added that six police officers were injured and several of their vehicles were damaged by angry protestors.
“Five police vehicles were damaged, one private vehicle, six police officers were injured and 225 people have been arrested,” Mohamud stated
“We call upon the public that they should not accept to be used by criminal elements or political actors, Nairobi will not be taken hostage by lawlessness and we will not allow criminals to hijack public spaces or destroy properties
For the better part of the day, several roads in Nairobi remained deserted in Eastlands even as some youths who had blocked some sections engaged police in running battles for the better part of the day.
Even so, there was heavy police presence in Eastlands, specifically along Outering Road, Kangundo Road and Jogoo Road as matatu operators completely withdrew their services.
