NYANDARUA, Kenya — The aftermath of Wednesday’s widespread demonstrations has revealed significant property destruction in Nyandarua County, where 26 government vehicles were torched at the Olkalou sub-county offices. These protests marked the first anniversary of last year’s impactful anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
According to a statement from the county government, the vehicles were parked at the Olkalou sub-county offices during the unrest. Among the destroyed assets, five vehicles were completely grounded, and 18 county government motorbikes were also set ablaze.
Additionally, newly purchased music equipment was reportedly destroyed in the fires.
Throughout Wednesday, police in Olkalou engaged in intense running battles with demonstrators.
Law enforcement officers deployed tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters who had barricaded roads with stones.
Beyond the major urban centers like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret, the anniversary protests spanned numerous towns across a wide range of counties, including Kakamega, Narok, Busia, Makueni, Nyeri, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Machakos, Homa Bay, and Kirinyaga.
Late in the evening, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) released a preliminary report indicating a grim human cost. The commission stated it had recorded eight fatalities from the June 25th demonstrations, with deaths occurring in Machakos (2), Makueni (2), Nakuru (1), Kiambu (1), Uasin Gishu (1), and Nyandarua (1).
The KNCHR also reported over 400 casualties, encompassing protesters, police officers, and journalists. While the majority of these individuals received treatment and were subsequently discharged, 83 were referred for specialized medical care.
