Two civilians were fatally shot, several police officers injured, and property vandalised during anti-government protests that rocked Karatina town on Wednesday, June 25.
According to a police report seen by Nairobileo.co.ke, the demonstrations began early Wednesday morning at around 8:40 AM when a group of youths began barricading the Karatina–Nairobi highway with stones and burning tyres.
According to the report from Karatina Police Station, the protesters caused a major traffic jam and were reportedly extorting money from motorists.
“The anti-riot party consisting of KPS drawn from Mathira East, Mathira West, DCI Mathira East, DCI Othaya, DCI Mathira West, APS Mathira East and KPC Kiganjo training college moved to clear the road.
"They kept moving from one point to another blocking the road and lit bonfires as officers were engaging them in a diplomatic way and clearing the road," the report read.
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The crowd continued to grow in size and intensity, chanting“wan tam” and blowing whistles and vuvuzelas.
At around 11:00 AM, the protest turned violent as demonstrators began pelting officers with stones.
Police said that about thirty minutes later, the group attempted to storm the home of Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi in Kamunyaka but were repulsed.
The report indicated that reinforcements were later dispatched from Tetu Sub-County to support the overwhelmed officers.
Later in the afternoon, the demonstrators forced their way into the compound of the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) for Mathira East, shattering windows at the Sub-County Education Office and looting the Administration Police canteen.
However, the protestors were dispersed while attempting to set fire to the Karatina Law Courts.
“They reorganized and started marching to Karatina police station with intent to cause destruction. They later at around 1900hrs tried to loot Mathai supermarket but they were repulsed before gaining full entry," the report added.
During the skirmishes, at least fourteen police officers sustained injuries, including Senior Superintendent of Police Samson Leweri who suffered injuries to his elbow, left knee, nose, and chin.
Inspector Cyrus Kanyi sustained a deep cut on his right arm, while Police Constable Job Maina was injured on his right leg.
Eleven officers from Kiganjo Police College, including Inspector Hassan Noor and several constables, were treated for soft tissue injuries, bruises, and impact wounds sustained during the confrontations.
Additionally, several vehicles were damaged in the unrest, including government vehicles belonging to Karatina Police Station, DCI Mathira East, and the DCI Regional Headquarters.
Further, two civilian vehicles, a black Toyota Succeed and a white saloon had their windscreens shattered.
The police confirmed two civilian fatalities, whose identities are yet to be established; five others were admitted to Karatina District Hospital with suspected gunshot wounds.
According to the police, security teams managed to restore calm by 8:30 PM, and traffic flow resumed along the highway.
