Chaos erupted in Bomet Town on Friday after residents staged
a protest at the Nyangores River Bridge, demanding urgent action over the
safety of the structure.
The demonstration, which began around 2pm according to a police report, saw nearly 2,000
residents from Bomet town and the neighboring Kyongong village block the busy
Bomet–Narok road using boulders and damaged guard rails.
Police said the protestors cited growing concerns over
repeated drowning incidents at the bridge, including the recent deaths of two
men on August 23, 2025.
One reportedly slipped off the bridge into the river while
the other drowned while attempting to rescue him.
Their bodies were recovered on Thursday and Friday.
Residents accused leaders of neglecting the bridge, saying
they have long complained about the risk it poses to pedestrians.
They demanded that political leaders address them at the
protest, but none turned up.
The demonstration quickly turned violent, with protestors
lighting tyres and pelting motorists with stones.
The blockade led to a major traffic snarl-up before police
intervened to disperse the crowd.
According to police reports, officers managed to clear the
road around 9pm, but not before sustaining injuries during clashes with the
rioters.
At least nine officers, including senior commanders, were
hurt after being hit by stones.
The victims sustained injuries on the thighs, lower abdomen,
wrists, knees, chest and ankles.
Two police vehicles, a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Mahindra,
were also damaged during the confrontation.
Security forces deployed heavy force to quell the riot,
firing live rounds, blanks, and tear gas.
Police confirmed that at least 65 tear gas canisters
were used, alongside several rounds of ammunition.
Eight suspects were arrested and are expected to face
charges for their involvement in the unrest.
No injuries were reported among the protestors.
Residents along the Nyangores bridge in Bomet during riots on August 29, 2025/HANDOUT
