BY ANGELA R. KIURA
A peaceful protest in Embu town turned violent on Wednesday afternoon, leaving one man critically injured and several government and private properties vandalized and looted.
The demonstration was part of a nationwide protest to commemorate those killed during the June 25, 2024, anti–Finance Bill demonstrations.
Tensions escalated when a group of masked individuals infiltrated the protest and began rioting.
Clashes erupted between protesters and police, forcing officers to use tear gas and fire warning shots to disperse crowds attempting to storm government offices.
In one of the most brazen acts of the day, demonstrators forcefully broke into the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices in Embu, where they were seen vandalizing and looting the premises.
Several young individuals were spotted fleeing with gadgets, furniture, and other stolen items.
The Safaricom Centre in Embu was also attacked, with property reportedly stolen during the chaos. The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) office was similarly damaged.
A young man identified as Kennedy Kivuti Gichovi was allegedly shot during the demonstrations and is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Embu Level Five Hospital.
Masked individuals blocked main roads, paralyzing transport in and out of the town.
Most businesses closed early, with traders fearing looting and reporting destruction and significant losses.
By press time, calm had not yet been restored, and authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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