Embakasi residents on edge amid killing, attack by youths

A street in Embakasi in Nairobi. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • More than 50 youth stormed Muradi, chased people away and set on fire seven kiosks and an unknown number of houses.

  • Police said they were avenging the killing of a young man, John Mwangi, on Saturday over land.

  • Mwangi was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital after the attack where he died.

Tension is high in Embakasi in Nairobi as residents suspect a resurgent Mungiki sect is behind the killing of a butcher and the torching of dozens of houses and shops on Wednesday.

More than 50 young people stormed Muradi, chased people away and set on fire seven kiosks and an unknown number of houses. Police said they were avenging the killing of a young man, identified as John Mwangi, on Saturday over land.

Mr Mwangi was taken to Kenyatta National Hospital after the attack where he died.

Chaos broke out in the area on Wednesday morning and lasted until 5pm, when police and General Service Unit officers were deployed.

VACATE HOUSES

Residents said the attackers went to the area in the morning and told them to vacate their houses and business premises.

“They gave us 10 minutes to do so and as we were packing our things, they took some valuables and threatened to kill us if we protested,” said Embakasi resident Paul Okoth.

During the protests, two people - identified as Joseph Kibe and Duncan Mugendo - were seriously injured and taken to Kenyatta National Hospital.

Police officers have arrested seven youth suspected of being behind the chaos.

The officers kept vigil in the area and maintained their patrols, amid fears among residents that the marauding group would return to torch more houses.