ELDORET, Kenya – A police lorry was torched in Eldoret on Wednesday during the June 25 anniversary protests, as youth clashed with security officers in parts of the town, paralysing business and disrupting transport.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the incident, saying the vehicle was set ablaze by protesters in the Huruma area near Pemugi during day-long demonstrations that turned chaotic.
“The lorry was torched during the riots near the Pemugi area,” said Mwanthi. “We have reports of injuries, but no confirmed fatalities at this stage.”
He said officers had managed to restore order by late evening and promised to issue a comprehensive statement on the situation in the region.
Shops were closed and streets largely deserted for hours, as police engaged groups of demonstrators in running battles.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy use of tear gas and the setting up of makeshift barricades by protesters.
The Eldoret incident came amid nationwide protests held to commemorate one year since the deadly anti-tax demonstrations of June 25, 2024.
At least 16 people were killed and over 400 injured in various parts of the country during Wednesday’s protests, according to Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
Eldoret joined more than 20 towns across Kenya in marking the anniversary with street protests that saw widespread unrest, including the reported burning of 26 county government vehicles in Nyandarua County.
