Luanda: Two people allegedly lost their lives, while several others were injured following protests by boda boda operators in Luanda town, Vihiga County that brought transport and business activities to a standstill.
According to Kenya News Agency, the protests along the Kisumu-Busia highway which erupted Monday, were triggered by heightened tensions between police officers and motorcycle operators during a crackdown on alleged illegal motorcycles. The operation led to the impounding of several motorcycles, sparking outrage among riders.
The situation quickly escalated into chaotic demonstrations that paralyzed Luanda Central Business District, forcing businesses to shut down as fears of looting and further violence spread. Security officers were deployed and used teargas to disperse the crowds in the densely populated town.
Senator Godfrey Osotsi expressed concern over the loss of lives, calling for calm and urged security agencies to exercise restraint and uphold human rights during operations. He condemned what he termed as excessive use of force and called for accountability, urging for investigations into the incident.
Luanda MP Dick Maungu claimed that two young people lost their lives during the unrests, stating that they were not part of the demonstrations. He identified one of the deceased as a DJ and the other as an employee of Fadhili Academy. Maungu further revealed that 21 motorcycles were confiscated during the operation, adding that eight have since been released, while three remain under investigation over discrepancies in identification details.
He called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatalities. The MP also appealed for calm among residents, urging them to avoid violence, road blockades, and destruction of property, noting that the boda boda sector remains a key source of livelihood for many youths in the area.
Following the unrest, businesses in Luanda town remained closed, with traders reporting losses as fear of further violence persisted. Local leaders have since called for dialogue between boda boda operators and security agencies to restore calm and normalcy in the area.
