NAIROBI, Kenya — One person was shot dead and two others injured on Tuesday as fresh protests erupted in Nairobi’s Huruma estate over the disappearance of two local youths, bringing business activities to a standstill for the third time in a week.
The unrest spread across Huruma, Kiamaiko, Kariobangi North and sections of Outer Ring Road, where protesters barricaded roads with stones and boulders, disrupting transport and business for several hours.
Police fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, while one protester was fatally shot during the clashes. Two other people sustained injuries.
Police claimed those targeted during the operation had been involved in attacks on residents, robberies and blocking roads. However, another senior police officer said investigations had been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
The latest demonstrations were sparked by the disappearance of Abdulaziz Duba Molu, popularly known as Zizo, and Maxwell Kiarie, who have been missing since last week. Family members and residents have repeatedly demanded that the two be produced, saying they fear they may have been forcibly disappeared.
The latest fatality raises to two the number of people killed since the protests began.
By early afternoon, police had cleared most of the roadblocks, including along Outer Ring Road, restoring traffic flow. However, several residents claimed they had been robbed during the chaos.
While no agency has officially acknowledged holding the two missing men, residents have accused state security agencies of being behind their disappearance.
Zizo had previously come to the attention of police in 2024 after he was arrested alongside other suspects during an operation targeting an alleged armed gang operating in Kayole, Umoja 3 and Huruma. Investigators at the time recovered two firearms and ammunition and alleged the group targeted licensed firearm holders by drugging them before stealing their weapons and valuables.
Police now describe Zizo as a known criminal allegedly involved in robbery and drug trafficking. Residents, however, maintain that he was picked up by unknown individuals about a week ago and has neither been presented before a court nor officially booked at any police station.
Friends and relatives have continued to demand his immediate release or information on his whereabouts.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that authorities are investigating Tuesday’s fatal shooting as tensions remain high in the area.