Ex-governor Ndiritu Muriithi arrested, matatus raise fares

Protestors barricade a section of the road during Anti-Government protests in Nakuru city on July 12, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

At one point, the police were forced to retreat after the protesters threw stones at them. In Kericho, matatu operators plying Kericho-Kapsabet-Eldoret had to change the route for fear of being attacked.

Wareng Line Shuttle Manager Maxwell Kirui said they decided to use Kericho-Total-Eldoret route to avoid a scenario witnessed in March when three of their vehicles were attacked at Awasi. "It is business as usual but we only change the route for safety because of the demonstration, but we never hiked fare," said Kirui.

At Sondu market, one person was shot in the back at as two groups clashed over the anti-government protest called by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition to protest against the rising cost of living.

The unsettling event occurred due to a heated confrontation between two conflicting factions near the bustling market, situated along the Kericho-Kisumu border.

Tensions escalated, leading to the shooting incident that left the victim wounded. Kericho police Commander Geoffrey Mutai confirmed the incident but declined to divulge more information about what happened.

Investigations into the incident have commenced, with local authorities warning residents against escalating the skirmishes.

[Kennedy Gachuhi, James Munyeki and Kiprono Kurgat]