Henry Larweh-Martey has shared how protesters attacked and burned his Mazda CX-5 along Thika Road, Githurai, during Monday’s demonstrations over rising fuel prices.
Larweh-Martey said he was driving through Githurai 45 on his way to Kamakis to buy construction materials when a group of protesters stopped his vehicle and surrounded it.
“They started searching the car and taking items from inside. I stepped out and tried to calm them down,” he said.
According to Larweh-Martey, whose car was torched in Githuria, the situation quickly turned chaotic after some protesters spotted a UDA banner on the driver’s seat.
“They pulled out the sash and started shouting. The crowd suddenly became aggressive,” he explained.
Minutes later, the protesters set the vehicle on fire as demonstrations linked to the nationwide matatu strike escalated in parts of Nairobi and nearby towns.
Videos shared online showed thick smoke rising from the burning car while protesters blocked sections of Thika Road using stones and burning tyres.
The protests began after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased fuel prices in its latest monthly review. Petrol prices rose by KSh16.65 per litre while diesel jumped by KSh46.29, sparking outrage among matatu operators, boda boda riders, and motorists.
Larweh-Martey’s wife, Priscilla Njiraini, said the family suffered a huge loss because their insurance policy does not cover damage caused during riots or demonstrations.
READ ALSO: DCI says manhunt on for suspects linked to Thika Road car torching
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said detectives are reviewing viral videos and tracking suspects linked to the attack. Authorities urged Kenyans to share information through the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that four people died and dozens suffered injuries during the nationwide protests.
