The June 25 anniversary protests in Kikuyu town took an unfortunate turn after irate protesters allegedly torched the Kikuyu Law Courts and other sub-county offices.
Videos seen by Kenyans.co.ke on Wednesday, June 25, revealed that the fire not only razed down the offices but also other machinery, such as tractors and tuk-tuks, which were parked in the premises.
The protestors also managed to break into some of the offices, which were fortunately spared by the fire, and caused mayhem by smashing windows and destroying documents and furniture.
Some police officers at the scene were seen rushing with buckets of soil and water, desperately throwing them into the buildings to put out the fire.
Anti-riot police, who were seen intervening, managed to apprehend some of the protestors who are said to be involved in the incident.
"They are burning the offices belonging to county governments; they have burnt them all," a police officer said.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets on Wednesday in different parts of the country to mark a year since the anti-finance demonstrations that left tens of young Kenyans dead.
The Kikuyu incident is the second known incident today where protestors have attempted to enter or destroy government offices. Earlier, one protester was killed, and several protesters in Machakos County ended up sustaining injuries after police resorted to using live bullets when the demonstrators attempted to enter the Matuu police station.
According to witnesses, the group of protesters, which consisted mostly of youths, made their way to the police station, where they ended up causing severe damage to the police station's facilities.
According to reports, the injured protesters were immediately rushed to nearby health facilities, including the Matuu Level 4 hospital.
Castigating the incidents, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) accused the police officers of using excessive force against the demonstrators.
KHRC said that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) should kickstart a probe and hold officers responsible for the shooting accountable.
"Police in Matuu, Machakos, have opened fire on peaceful protesters, leaving one person dead and eight others injured. The group was demanding justice for Kenyans killed during the 2024 Gen Z protests," KHRC said in its statement.
"Seven individuals sustained serious injuries—three are receiving care at a private clinic, while four have been admitted to Matuu Level 4 Hospital," it added.
