Two people were injured and two suspects arrested after police dispersed a violent group of boda boda riders who allegedly staged revenge attacks, blocked Ngong Road, and looted members of the public in Nairobi on Saturday.
According to police, the unrest was triggered by the deaths of two suspected motorcycle thieves who were reportedly lynched by members of the public on Friday before later succumbing to their injuries.
Riders Stormed KNH Over Colleagues’ Deaths
Police said fellow boda boda riders had earlier gone to Kenyatta National Hospital, demanding immediate treatment for the injured men and later seeking the release of their bodies.
The group accused the hospital of failing to attend to the victims in time, leading to their deaths.
However, the hospital denied the allegations, maintaining that the two men had sustained severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal.
Protest Turned Violent
At around noon on Saturday, police said about 300 boda boda riders, many carrying passengers and allegedly armed with crude weapons, knives, and pangas, returned to the hospital.
After being denied access, the group reportedly turned violent, blocked Ngong Road, and caused widespread disruption before police intervened.
Authorities said the riders later regrouped near a hotel in the Jamhuri area, where they allegedly began looting and terrorising members of the public.
Two Injured, Suspects Arrested
Police deployed reinforcement teams, including the Quick Response Unit (QRU), to support officers from Kilimani Sub-County, eventually dispersing the group toward the Kibra informal settlement using tear gas.
During the operation, two police officers fired warning shots into the air to restore order.
Police confirmed that:
- A 42-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to her right leg.
- A 22-year-old man was struck by a rubber bullet on his left upper arm.
Both victims were taken to Nairobi Women’s Hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities also arrested two suspects and impounded 10 motorcycles believed to have been used during the disturbances.
Police said the situation has since been brought under control, with officers remaining on the ground as investigations continue.
The latest incident has renewed calls for tighter regulation of the boda boda sector, with authorities noting that some riders have been linked to violent criminal activities in different parts of the country.
