Chaos in Nakuru: Looters Strike as Gen Z Protest Anniversary Turns Violent
Nakuru – Looters tore through Nakuru City on Wednesday, targeting businesses and vandalizing property under the cover of Gen Z-led protests marking the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024 demonstrations.
As protestors clashed with police on Kenyatta Avenue and surrounding areas, groups broke into shops, destroyed security installations, and stole goods in a wave of daylight lawlessness. A Total Energies filling station in the city center was among the worst hit. Witnesses reported thieves making off with gas cylinders, fire extinguishers, and electronics.
“They took everything. Even fire extinguishers were used against tear gas,” said a shop attendant whose employer’s business was looted.
CCTV cameras in both public spaces and private establishments were smashed or unplugged, disrupting surveillance efforts. Metal structures, advertising signs, and sections of street lighting were also dismantled and carted away. Locals believe the stolen items were likely intended for sale to scrap metal dealers.
By midday, debris from uprooted flower pots and broken tree branches blocked major routes, turning Nakuru’s commercial center into a danger zone. Protesters used the debris to obstruct roads and shield themselves from advancing police.
Police eventually cleared sections of Kenyatta Avenue and pushed demonstrators out of the central business district. However, security officials struggled to contain the rapid spread of destruction, especially in areas lacking surveillance.
In Naivasha, protesters barricaded the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway, halting traffic in both directions. Riot police responded with tear gas and arrests, managing to reopen the road after hours of disruption.
Authorities have yet to release official figures on arrests or the value of property lost, but business owners in Nakuru are counting the cost.
The violence overshadowed peaceful commemorations in other parts of the country, where protesters marked one year since police killed over 60 people during last year’s protests against the Finance Bill.
The government has not issued a statement regarding the looting in Nakuru, but Interior Ministry sources confirmed additional police reinforcements were being sent to stabilize the region.
With tensions still high and protests ongoing across the country, residents fear further violence if order is not restored quickly.
