Man whose car was torched in Githurai narrates ordeal

Henry Larweh-Martey said he was driving his Mazda CX-5 through Githurai 45 on Monday on his way to Kamakis /SCREENGRAB

A man whose vehicle was torched along Thika Road during protests over high fuel prices has recounted the moments before the attack, claiming a UDA sash found inside the car triggered the mob’s anger.

Henry Larweh-Martey said he was driving his Mazda CX-5 through Githurai 45 on Monday on his way to Kamakis to purchase construction materials when he encountered protesters who stopped and surrounded his vehicle.

“They ransacked the car and started picking things from the car. So I got out of the car to interact with them to stop what they were doing,” he said.

Larweh-Martey said the situation escalated after the group spotted a UDA sash on the driver’s seat.

“They found a UDA sash on the driver's seat. They pulled the UDA sash and started screaming in Kiswahili and the people became agitated,” he added.

Moments later, the vehicle was set ablaze as the protests degenerated into violence in parts of Nairobi and other towns during the nationwide matatu strike called over soaring fuel prices.

The owner of the vehicle and wife to the driver, Priscilla Njiraini, expressed disappointment over the loss, saying the insurance cover did not include damages caused during demonstrations.

“It’s very unfortunate that I have lost my car and you know even if you take comprehensive insurance, I did not take the one for demonstrations so I know it will not get paid,” she said.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said detectives had launched investigations and were analysing viral footage believed to contain images of the suspects involved in the incident.

In a statement, the DCI said investigators were pursuing crucial leads aimed at identifying and arresting all those behind the attack.

“Detectives are diligently pursuing crucial leads aimed at identifying and apprehending all those involved in this criminal act,” the agency said.

The DCI appealed to members of the public to assist with information that could help identify individuals captured in the footage.

The agency asked anyone with information to report to the nearest police station or contact the toll-free #FichuaKwaDCI hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.

The torching of the vehicle came as demonstrations linked to the nationwide transport strike turned chaotic in several parts of the country.

Police said at least four people were killed and 30 others injured as protests escalated into violent confrontations characterised by burning tyres, road barricades and attacks on motorists.

The demonstrations had initially begun peacefully as matatu operators and other transport sector players protested the sharp rise in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority on May 14.

Under the latest review, Super Petrol increased by Sh16.65 per litre while Diesel rose by Sh46.29 per litre, triggering outrage among motorists and transport operators. In Nairobi, thousands of commuters were forced to walk to work after most matatus stayed off the roads during the strike.

But in some areas, the protests descended into running battles between demonstrators and police, with sections of major roads temporarily blocked using stones and burning debris.

Police in Nairobi said at least 225 protesters had been arrested.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the suspects would face serious charges, including economic sabotage and malicious damage to police vehicles.

Nationally, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said 348 people had been arrested across the country in connection with the unrest.