Youths in Kawangware engage police in running battles
A Police officer clears a road that had been barricaded by protestors in Kawangware 56 in Nairobi on November 20, 21017 after the Supreme Court's decision that upheld President Kenyatta’s win in the October 26 repeat election. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- There was relative calm Monday and streets seemed deserted as most of the residents chose to stay indoors.
- In August, violence erupted and property was destroyed immediately after President Kenyatta was declared winner.
- Mr Gregory Kaserua, who is a bar owner ,appealed to police to tighten security saying tension is still high in the area.
Youths in violence-prone Kawangware engaged in running battles with anti-riot police for the better part of the day following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Uhuru Kenyatta’s October 26 win.
The youths who were protesting the court’s decision barricaded roads leading to Kawangware 56 area.
The police officers had a hard time trying to disperse the youths who would vanish into their residences immediately after barricading the roads.
Unlike in August when violence erupted and property was destroyed immediately after President Kenyatta was declared winner of August 8 poll which was later nullified by the Supreme Court, there was relative calm Monday and streets seemed deserted as most of the residents chose to stay indoors and watch what was happening outside from windows of their houses.
Most businesses remained closed due to fear of violence.
After the August 8 election, several businesses were set ablaze after two groups clashed immediately IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared President Kenyatta winner.
VIOLENCE
Kawangware has recently been an epicentre of violence with politicians from both Jubilee and Nasa being accused of inciting the youths.
On Monday, some of the youths who spoke to Nation said they were not concerned with the Supreme Court decision.
“We don’t care about the Supreme Court decision. What we are waiting for is Baba’s word on the way forward,” said Mr George Wafula, referring to Nasa leader Raila Odinga.
“If Baba says that we accept the verdict of the court and move on, I won’t have [a choice] but to accept [it]. We are only waiting for him to give us direction on the next [course] of action,” he added.
Mr Gregory Kaserua, who is a bar owner ,appealed to police to tighten security saying tension is still high in the area.
“I have received threats that my bar will be set ablaze and I fear that I’m going to lose my livelihood. The attackers are likely to strike any time especial during the night,” said Mr Kaserua.
