Anti-government protests on Tuesday spread to counties outside Nairobi to demand accountability in the national and county governments.
The protests initially concentrated in Nairobi and Mombasa, expanded to other counties such as Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyamira.
The youth appeared to target the offices of several governors accused of corruption, poor service delivery, and nepotism, among other issues.
Among the governors targeted were James Orengo (Siaya), Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira), Fernandes Barasa (Kakamega), Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), and Joseph Ole Lenku (Kajiado).
In Nairobi CBD, businesses faced disruption as protesters clashed with police. Two protestors were reportedly shot dead in the River Road area, although these reports remain unconfirmed.
Medics from the Red Cross said they attended to two protestors who had been shot.
“We have treated two protesters who had gunshot injuries,” Atif Dar, the chief executive said.
In Nakuru County, a journalist covering the protests was severely injured after being shot three times in the thigh, despite wearing press gear identifying her.
In Mombasa, protesters gathered at the elephant tusks along Moi Avenue, addressing the press before starting their march. Initially planning to go to Governor Nassir’s office at Treasury Square, they changed course due to a heavy police presence, moving towards Mwembe Tayari through KFA.
The area between Sabasaba Junction and Mwembe Tayari turned into a battleground with clashes between police firing tear gas and youths throwing stones. Mombasa Speaker Aharub Khatri’s attempt to speak to the protesters was rejected by the youth, who did not want politicians involved in their actions.
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In the Nyanza region, protesters were unable to reach governors’ offices due to heavy security. Despite this, they disrupted transportation and business activities across the region, demonstrating against poor leadership at national and county levels.
In Kisumu, protests significantly disrupted regular business activities, causing slowdowns in markets and urban areas. Transportation on major roads was severely affected, with many public service vehicles avoiding the roads due to concerns of potential damage during the demonstrations.
“Ruto must go,” the protesters chanted as they engaged the police in running battles in the city centre.
In Kakamega, protesters attempted to enter Governor Barasa’s office but were stopped by hired goons. This led to clashes between the protesters, goons, and police, resulting in injuries and disrupting business and transportation in the area.
In Eldoret, the town hall where Governor Bii, Deputy John Barorot, and the Finance Executive work was empty as all staff avoided the place, fearing it would be overrun by protesters.
In Kajiado town, protesters’ attempts to enter Ole Lenku’s office were blocked by a large group of police officers stationed to protect the premises.
In Kitengela, several individuals were injured amidst the anti-government demonstrations in the town.
In Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori counties, protesters blocked roads and set fires, calling for President William Ruto’s resignation. Governors avoided their offices, anticipating the occupation plan. In Nyamira County, police used tear gas when protesters attempted to enter the governor’s office and residence at Nyabite.
– By Barbara Owano Lubukha
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