In consecutive confrontations between authorities and anti-government protesters on Wednesday in the counties of Machakos and Kajiado, five people died.
Three of the victims were shot dead nearby the Mlolongo Motorway Toll Station after blocking and destroying the highway and causing traffic disruptions.
According to police, after defacing the Mlolongo Motorway wall, the protesters—who are also accused of throwing rocks at a Quick Mart Supermarket next to the toll station—wanted to rob the booth.
However, the motorway has been shut down and the essential maintenance unit guarded by the police, further snarling traffic on the road leading between Mlolongo and Nairobi.
Similar protests in Kitengela also claimed the lives of the two additional victims.
“I condemn in the strongest terms possible the wanton destruction of property—public and private—in the name of protesting the high cost of living. These are not demonstrations.
“This is thuggery clothed in constitutional garb. This is economic sabotage; its intended effect is counterproductive to the purported cause. How does burning cars, buildings, and destroying infrastructure, which we are still paying loans for, bring down the cost of living?
“While police must protect peaceful protestors, thugs, saboteurs, and their hirers must face the full force of the law!” said Governor Anne Waiguru over the Nairobi Motorway vandalism.
I condemn in the strongest terms possible the wanton destruction of property – public & private – in the name of protesting high cost of living. These are not demonstrations. This is thuggery clothed in constitutional garb. This is economic sabotage.. its intended effect is… pic.twitter.com/vXfLxXyaRm
— Anne Waiguru EGH, OGW (@AnneWaiguru) July 12, 2023