Nairobi: Chaos Erupts Along Outering Road as Rival Youth Face Off Under Police Watch
- Two opposing youth groups engaged in intense confrontations along a busy road, disrupting daily activities and prompting public safety concerns
- The alarming scenes captured on video showed chaotic youths robbing businesses and vandalising vehicles
- Authorities who were present at the scene appeared disengaged, sparking outrage among a section of Kenyans
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi: Two rival youth factions clashed violently on Thursday, July 24, along Outering Road, with the most affected section stretching between the Kariobangi, Kiamaiko, and Allsops areas.
Source: Twitter
The confrontations, marked by stone-throwing, vandalism, and reported robberies, created a chaotic and dangerous environment for motorists and pedestrians.
What happened at the Outering Road?
Authorities urged members of the public to avoid the affected stretch as tensions remained high and the situation was volatile. Motorists, in particular, were advised to seek alternative routes to ensure their safety.
Despite the presence of police officers at the scene, videos circulating on social media showed law enforcement failing to intervene effectively as rioting youth looted businesses and vandalised vehicles.
At one point, officers fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd, but the violence continued.
The exact cause of the clashes remains unclear, with investigations ongoing.
How did Kenyans react to Outering Road chaos?
Muthoni Maina
"I was in Huruma when the whole thing started. I saw a man being robbed of everything, including his shoes. We gave our phones to a shopkeeper, otherwise zingeenda."
@FGaitho237
"Outering Road is out of bounds at the moment after two rival groups clashed in the afternoon. There is the Kariobangi North business group fighting back after protests from Kia-Maiko after one of their peddler comrades was arrested, and they went to the streets. The Kariobangi North group says the other group is notorious for looting their businesses, especially during protests."
@MJ_2Bigeyes
"That is what we are nurturing when we fund goons. We are in a very volatile situation currently."
Nai Boy
"All this nonsense started when they were being paid to disrupt demonstrations. The government should act ASAP."
Job Majune
"My friend amepigwa complete search akabaki bila any. Police should intervene. It's messy."
@messedup_yes
"The police are doing nothing. But when it's unarmed protesters, they're so quick to throw tear gas and shoot with guns."
Jane Nzembi
"God remember our beloved country, Kenya."
@KwendoEnos37573
"They can't protest for a better country, but they create chaos to use it as a looting scheme."
Nanyuki residents protest death of Julia Wangui
In other news, protests erupted in Nanyuki following the death of Julia Wangui, a 24-year-old woman who was arrested during the Saba Saba protests.
Source: Facebook
Wangui was charged with malicious damage to property and released on a KSh 50,000 cash bail, which she was unable to raise.
She was subsequently held at the Nanyuki Women’s Prison, where she was allegedly tortured. Her condition deteriorated, and she was rushed to Cottage Hospital, where she died during surgery.
Outraged residents took to the streets, demanding justice and accountability for her death.
How many people died during Saba Saba protests?
The historic 35th Saba Saba anniversary protests that happened on Monday, July 7, left behind a trail of destruction that included loss of lives and permanent scars from life-threatening injuries.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 31 people were killed and over 100 were injured during the protests that turned chaotic.
A total of 535 civilians were arrested and detained for allegedly breaking the law during the demonstrations.
Some of the suspects have been charged with various counts ranging from malicious damage to property, theft, robbery with violence, causing disturbance and terrorism.
Among those charged with terrorism are Manyatta MP Mukunji Gitonga and DCP youth leader Kawanjiru Thiga.
They are accused of mobilising and funding rioters to vandalise government installations, including burning police stations.
Mukunji denied the allegations, arguing they were politically instigated to silence him and counter the growing influence of the DCP party in Mt Kenya.
He accused the government of sponsoring the violence and blaming it on Gachagua's allies, ostensibly to portray them as violent and destructive people.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on the number of people killed during the Saba Saba protests.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
