Panic and confusion engulfed Nyeri town on Monday as residents stormed and looted a supermarket in the ongoing nationwide matatu strike that continues to disrupt transport services across Kenya.
Videos posted online showed looters breaking into the supermarket and running off with a range of items as unrest spread across parts of the town. The chaos started after protests over the recent fuel price increase that matatu operators say has made operating costs unbearable.
Transport operators across the country downed tools in protest against the sharp rise in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The demonstrations brought movement to a halt in several towns and cities, stranding thousands of commuters. But operators say the new fuel prices are still hurting businesses and ordinary Kenyans.
In Nyeri, protests degenerated into chaos, prompting police officers to move in to control the situation. Suspected criminals are believed to have looted and vandalised businesses during the demonstrations.
Traders and business owners have expressed fear of rising insecurity during the protests and appealed to the government to restore order and protect property.
Meanwhile, transport operators are still calling on the government to review fuel prices and to hold talks to end the strike that has paralysed public transport in parts of the country.
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