One dead, seven arrested after inter-community clashes break out in Kajiado

A 71-year-old man has been confirmed dead in Isinya, Kajiado County, following day-long chaos pitting two communities.

Business and transport activities were disrupted in the metropolitan town as warring groups clashed, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The chaos left seven people arrested, with police now pursuing politicians suspected of having fuelled the unrest.

The torching of two motorbikes belonging to riders from one group on Wednesday night sparked the violence witnessed on Thursday, as the rival group sought revenge.

A 71-year-old man died after reportedly inhaling tear gas that police had lobbed to try and contain the situation.

“Hii boda boda wamekuwa na business rivalry. D hawataki kuenda kwa stage ya C na wakataka kumiliki hizo stages zote. Hii makundi mawili ndiyo wamefukuzana leo asubuhi wakaleta hali ya taharuki kidogo,” Alex Shikondi stated.

The day-long chaos saw business and transport activities disrupted in the town. Police have confirmed the arrest of seven individuals suspected of leading the day’s violence, as the search continues for politicians also suspected of fuelling and funding the chaos.

“Na kama watapatikana na hatia yoyote watapelekwa kortini. Tunawasihi vijana, wakati kama huu waendelee na biashara yao ya boda boda kwa njia ya Amani,” Shikondi added.

Another resident Kakuta MaiMai said: “Pande zote mbili, tureason wakuje pamoja waache hii mambo. Sababu hii vita, sisi wote tunaishi hapa town. Hii town ni yetu sisi wote. Na tumeishi miaka nenda bila vurugu.”

“Bwana DCC lazima akae ndani kwa wananchi. Yeye anakaa kwa ofisi hawezi sikia vile wananchi wanasema. Hii mkutano vile watu walikuwa wamezozana sababu ya mapikipiki hajawizungumzia hata moja,” said Daniel Uka.

A contingent of GSU officers has since been deployed to reinforce security, as tension remains palpable with nightfall.