What had been planned to be a simple eviction exercise in Nakuru turned tragic on Thursday, when two people died while six others were admitted to hospital with bullet wounds.

Property worth millions of shillings was also destroyed when police engaged tenants from several estates in the town in running battles after they resisted the evictions upon expiry of a 48 hour notice.

Residents of Flamingo, Kaloleni, Kimathi, and Kivumbini Estates who occupy houses belonging to the Municipal Council of Nakuru were up for eviction due to non-payment of arrears running into hundreds of millions of shillings.

The protests, which began in the early morning hours turned violent when the council askaris backed by a contingent of antiriot police tried to forcibly evict the tenants, attracting the attention of an irate mob.

Vehicle burnt

A reinforcement of more officers from the Central Police station had to be brought in after the mob set on fire a vehicle belonging to the council.

The mob had also started hurling stones at the policemen injuring two in the process.

The mob, mainly youths, then barricaded Moi Road which leads to the Nakuru National Park, leaving several tourists stranded. The tourists had to be escorted to the park by police.