Photos circulating on social media show protesters littering the road with stones and bonfires, making both sides of the dual carriageway impassable for several hours.
As tensions escalated, police officers were deployed to disperse the crowd, resorting to teargas to restore order.
The demonstrators were reportedly marching with the body of the girl, who was found dead in a pit latrine at her home earlier that day.
The demonstrators were reportedly marching with the body of the girl, who was found dead in a pit latrine at her home earlier that day.
Residents demanded immediate investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.
“We want justice! Our children are not safe, and we need answers,” one protester shouted as the procession moved along the highway.
The police intercepted the protest at Kiamachibi, urging calm and assuring residents that investigations were underway.
National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga explained that initial reports indicated a police officer may have fired shots while attempting to disperse a hostile crowd triggered by a suspected thief near the girl’s mother’s fish stall.
“We are investigating to ensure accountability and understand exactly what transpired,” Nyaga stated.
This protest comes just two days after residents in Nairobi’s Huruma estate staged similar demonstrations following the alleged shooting of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student by a police officer.
In that incident, vehicles and stalls were destroyed, and gangs reportedly took advantage of the chaos to loot shops, leaving extensive damage.
The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also deployed a team to Giagatika to conduct inquiries into the incident.
The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has also deployed a team to Giagatika to conduct inquiries into the incident.
Officials have urged the public to remain calm and allow investigators to establish the facts before drawing conclusions.
Analysts say these protests highlight growing public frustration with security lapses and the perceived misuse of force, particularly in densely populated areas.
Analysts say these protests highlight growing public frustration with security lapses and the perceived misuse of force, particularly in densely populated areas.
As investigations continue, authorities face mounting pressure to ensure justice for victims while preventing further escalation along critical transport routes.
The National Police Service has promised regular updates and urged residents to report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and community cooperation in maintaining public safety.
The National Police Service has promised regular updates and urged residents to report any suspicious activity, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest and community cooperation in maintaining public safety.
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