Police mount roadblocks, patrol Kitengela streets to ward of protesters
By Christine Musa, December 31, 2024
Kitengela town was on Monday choked with heavy police presence at the town centre over uncertainty of protests against ongoing abductions in the country.
A roadblock was erected along the Nairobi-Namanga highway with uniformed police officers inspecting passengers on-board public service vehicles. Most traders seemingly took a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, opting to open their businesses later in the afternoon.
“Anti-government Finance Bill 2024 protests left us counting losses. We witnessed a mother of all protests with thousands participating in the unrests, I chose not to take chances today,” said Joel Musembi, a trader who runs an electric shop and opened late.
Universal condemnation
Most residents condemned the ongoing abductions.
“If the abductions are criminal how comes only those who are deemed to be anti-government are being abducted? Kenyans are tired of pathological lies being propelled by government,” said John Mumbe, a resident.
Another resident, Mercy Nyokabi, noted that the government had resorted to abductions, torture and killings following the Gen Z protests.
“I feel this country is headed to the dogs if the government of the day does not change its leadership style,” she added.
The populous Kitengela town is among satellite towns that witnessed historic protests during the Gen Z anti-government protest over the unpopular Finance Bill 2024.
Severally people lost their lives with scores left nursing gunshot wounds. Traders were also left counting losses following destruction of property and massive looting.
The government administration block, which is situated a few metres from the Kitengela police station housing the assistant county commissioner, chiefs and administration police offices were also torched after a protester was shot dead.
Kitengela also made the headlines following abduction of a trio including two brothers and a rights activist in what was commonly referred as Kitengela Three.
The trio, Jamil Longton, Aslam Longton and Bob Njagi said to have been abducted and tortured by police officers.