MP Dawood speaks after attack during fuel price protests in Meru

Imenti North MP Rahim Dawood has spoken out after he was attacked by hostile protesters during demonstrations against rising fuel prices in Meru Town on Monday, May 18.

The legislator said the protests had started peacefully in Makutano before chaos erupted when a group of youth allegedly mobilised by rivals turned against demonstrators accompanying him.

Speaking after the incident, Dawood maintained that the demonstrations were initially calm and orderly, with residents and matatu operators expressing frustrations over the increasing cost of fuel and the rising cost of living.

“Today in the morning (Monday), we had peaceful demonstrations in Makutano and everything was okay,” Dawood said. “We went to the main stage with matatu leaders and then agreed that we would meet in town.”

According to the MP, they walked together with residents from the main stage to Makutano without any confrontation before the situation suddenly changed.

“But we did not know our rivals had mobilised youth to stone us,” he said. “It is there that youth pelted us with stones. I thank those who were near me because they prevented the stones from hitting me, but five people were hit.”

The MP claimed that the individuals who attacked him were not residents of Makutano, but people allegedly ferried from outside the area to disrupt the demonstrations.

“It was not Makutano residents who attacked us but people who were brought from other regions,” he stated. “We know them, but they will not succeed in their mission.”

Videos circulating on social media showed the MP being whisked away by his security officers as angry protesters shouted slogans and continued marching through the streets of Meru Town. The crowd accused leaders of failing to address the worsening economic situation affecting ordinary Kenyans.

Despite the tense scenes, Dawood said he escaped unharmed and reassured his supporters and family members who had been worried following the incident.

“I was not injured in the attack, and many people have been calling me to ask if I am alright,” he said. “I thank those who have shown concern, and I want to tell them I am safe.”

The MP reiterated his support for lower fuel prices, arguing that Kenyans were struggling under the burden of high transport and commodity costs triggered by rising fuel prices.

“What I said is that fuel prices should go down,” he explained. “I have proposed that the eight per cent VAT on fuel be reduced and the fuel levy should be removed entirely for now.”

However, Dawood insisted that sustainable solutions could only be achieved through parliamentary action rather than street protests.

“But that cannot be achieved with protests. We need Parliament to convene a special sitting for that,” he added.