Bid to Free Colleague Foiled at Machakos Police Station

Youth Protests in Machakos: A Chaotic Morning

The quiet morning in Machakos town was shattered when groups of youth, driven by the arrest of one of their own, stormed the Machakos police station. The station, located just a few metres from the Machakos Law Courts, became the focal point of a tense standoff between the demonstrators and the police.

Attempt to Free a Comrade

Word spread quickly that a protester had been detained during ongoing demonstrations. In a bid to secure their comrade’s release, the youth charged towards the station, hoping to negotiate or force their way in. However, their efforts were met with resistance. Police officers, prepared for such an eventuality, repelled the group with teargas, dispersing them before they could reach the station’s entrance.

Streets of Machakos in Turmoil

The confrontation near the police station was just one part of a broader wave of disruption. Demonstrators flooded the streets of Machakos town, causing widespread panic and chaos. Businesses shut their doors, and motorists steered clear of the area to avoid the turmoil. The once-bustling town came to a standstill as the protests intensified.

Highway Blockades and Running Battles

The unrest was not confined to Machakos. On the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, protestors erected blockades at Mlolongo town, creating significant traffic disruptions. GSU (General Service Unit) personnel, supported by other units from the National Police Service, were deployed to clear the obstructions. The demonstrators had set live fires on the highway, making it impassable. The police managed to push back the protestors, securing the highway and diverting traffic to the Nairobi Expressway, which remained heavily guarded.

Kitengela’s Day of Disruption

In Kitengela, Kajiado County, the situation was equally volatile. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, blocking the Nairobi-Namanga Highway with stones and setting fires. The protesters engaged in running battles with police officers throughout the day. At one point, they commandeered two police vehicles, adding to the chaos. As a result, all shops in the area were closed, with owners fearing for their safety and the security of their businesses.

The Bigger Picture

These protests are part of a larger pattern of anti-government demonstrations that have been sweeping across various towns and cities. The grievances driving these protests are multifaceted, ranging from political discontent to economic hardships. The response from the authorities, often involving heavy-handed tactics, has only served to escalate tensions.

Conclusion

As the day progressed, the protests showed no sign of abating. The situation remained fluid, with transport and daily life in several towns severely disrupted. The events in Machakos, Mlolongo, and Kitengela highlight the growing unrest and the urgent need for dialogue and resolution to address the underlying issues driving these demonstrations.