Protests by sand traders in Mai Mahiu, Nakuru turned tragic after a loader was on Monday shot dead in unclear circumstances.

The deceased’s body was found near Mafuta Taa Center off the Mai Mahiu-Narok road as protests entered the second day.

It was not clear who shot the man  with police denying any involvement.

A representative of the trader, James Kuria, said the deceased was shot under the armpit and could have died from bleeding.

He pointed an accusing finger at the police, who for the better part of the day engaged the youth in running battles around the trading center.

“We have lost a young trader who was shot in unclear circumstances. We are seeking justice for his death,” he said.

Sand traders and local youth have since Monday protested to oppose move by landowners to double land prices.

Kuria added that for years, they had been buying sand from various farms in the area before the management of Kedong Farm, which owns vast parcels of land, decided to start charging them afresh.

“As a result, we are forced to pay the community at the source and pay Kedong another Sh1,500 per lorry at the gate. We are opposed to these double charges,” he said.

Speaking for the farm, James Karimi accused the traders of misusing the youth to demonstrate and harass  members of the public. 

Karimi said traders who feel offended by the new prices are at liberty  to buy the sand in other towns where the prices were lower.

“It is true Kedong has started charging for sand collected from their farm. This is a free trade where we go for willing-seller willing-buyer,” he said.

Naivasha OCPD Samuel Waweru confirmed that unknown persons had killed one man.

Waweru said they have launched investigation into the murder.