Protests against the recent sharp increase in fuel prices turned chaotic in Kiritiri Market in Mbeere South Constituency after angry demonstrators set ablaze the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) offices.
The protests, which started peacefully in the morning hours, quickly escalated into anarchy as hundreds of residents took to the streets demanding the government to lower the cost of fuel and other essential commodities.
Demonstrators marched through the town chanting anti-government slogans, while carrying placards condemning the high cost of living which they termed unbearable for the ordinary wananchi.
Police officers who had been deployed in the town to quell the protests had a difficult time dispersing the protesters and restoring order, leading to endless running battles between the two sides for several hours.
The protesters hurled stones at the police officers who responded by firing tear gas canisters in an attempt to control the crowd.
However, the demonstrators reportedly kept growing in number and overpowered the officers and managed to storm the local NG- CDF offices, where they looted and vandalized property before setting the offices on fire.
Unsatisfied with the act, the protesters then turned their rage to the area main water service provider company, Embu Water and Sanitation Company, where they broke into the offices and looted assorted items including computers among other electronic gadgets.
They also carted away assorted furniture while destroying others.
County Police Commander, Sarah Koki, could not be reached for a comment by the time of going to press, as she was still holed up in a meeting with the area security team.
By Samuel Waititu
