NAIROBI, Kenya – The driver of a vehicle torched along Thika Road during anti-fuel price protests has recounted the tense moments before the attack, claiming protesters turned against him after spotting a UDA sash inside the car.
Henry Larweh-Martey said he was driving through Githurai 45 on Monday, May 18, on his way to Kamakis to purchase construction materials when he encountered protesters who stopped and surrounded his black Mazda CX-5.
According to Larweh-Martey, the group began searching through the vehicle and taking some of the items inside.
“They ransacked the car and started picking things from the car. So I got out of the car to interact with them to stop what they were doing,” he said.
He claimed the situation quickly escalated after protesters allegedly discovered a UDA sash lying on the driver’s seat.
“They found a UDA sash on the driver’s seat. They pulled the UDA sash and started screaming in Kiswahili and the people became agitated,” he added.
Moments later, the vehicle was set ablaze as protests linked to rising fuel prices turned chaotic in parts of Nairobi and other towns during the nationwide matatu strike.
The black Mazda was quickly engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes as thick smoke billowed into the air.
Priscilla Njiraini, the owner of the vehicle and wife to the driver, expressed frustration over the loss, saying the insurance cover did not include damages caused during demonstrations.
“It’s very unfortunate that I have lost my car and you know even if you take comprehensive insurance, I did not take the one for demonstrations so I know it will not get paid,” she said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said detectives had launched investigations into the incident and were analysing viral footage believed to contain images of those involved.
“Detectives are diligently pursuing crucial leads aimed at identifying and apprehending all those involved in this criminal act,” the agency said.
