A group of angry youths in Majengo have set a police vehicle on fire following demonstrations that have been ongoing since last night. In videos and images seen by Kenyans.co.ke, a billowing cloud of fire was also seen emanating from some buildings although we could not establish whether they were administrative offices or police houses.
According to reports, the protests erupted following the alleged fatal shooting of a young boy by a police officer on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, police were deployed to the area to calm the situation and lobbed tear gas at the protesting youths, but tensions remained high.
Reports from social justice centres have revealed that three more people have reportedly been injured as police officers continue efforts to disperse the rowdy crowds.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that an administrative office was also destroyed by the angry youths.
Since the alleged murder took place last night, enraged residents have taken to the streets, demanding accountability from those responsible.
As is often the case, however, anti-riot police officers quickly intervened in an attempt to calm the crowds. Yet, the relentless youths have not faltered and continue to cause chaos in the Majengo area, with several neighbouring communities also affected by the riots.
Further reports indicate that additional law enforcement personnel are being deployed to the area to support their colleagues.
The riots come at a time when Kenya is already grappling with the effects of suspected extrajudicial killings in the region.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) raised similar concerns over reports of police torture, abductions, and even murder in the ongoing Ondoa Jangili mission in Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
The commission therefore urged the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure that all police officers involved in the atrocities be charged in accordance with the law. By Maurine Kirambia, Kenyans.co.ke
