Youth barricade Namanga Road during protests in Kitengela, Kajiado County on May 18, 2026.What started as anti-fuel hike protests in Kitengela quickly spiralled into chaos after suspected goons allegedly infiltrated demonstrations, leaving a trail of destruction, looting and fear across the busy town.
Kajiado County Police Commander Alex Shikondi said the suspects were ferried into Kitengela in four unmarked public service vehicles before dawn on Monday.
According to Shikondi, the individuals infiltrated protests that were initially intended to be peaceful before turning violent.
“We are working on some leads that four unmarked PSV vehicles were spotted dropping off individuals around the Prison Road within the Kitengela Township on Sunday night,” he said after the protests were called off on Tuesday.
Police arrested 111 people linked to the unrest, with 74 nabbed in Kajiado North subcounty and 44 cornered in Kitengela town during the demonstrations.
Shikondi said investigators suspect the ferried goons stirred emotions among protesters before harassing motorists and commuters caught up in the chaos.
“We will be reviewing the CCTV cameras installed in nearby buildings in an attempt to identify the vehicles, individuals and motive. Those who will be found culpable will face the full force of the law,” he said.
On Monday, protesters paralysed business activities in Kitengela after taking over major roads and blocking the Nairobi-Namanga highway for the better part of the day.
Youth engaged police in running battles as they lit fires along the highway and other roads within the township. Police responded by lobbing teargas canisters to disperse them, while some protesters hurled stones at officers.
Several motorists found themselves trapped in the melee. Some were reportedly harassed, robbed of personal valuables and threatened by suspected criminals taking advantage of the protests
A number of businesses were also broken into and looted.
Most motorists avoided the town and the busy Namanga Road as tensions escalated.
Despite the chaos, police said officers exercised restraint while handling the demonstrations, and no fatalities were reported during the confrontations.
Police later escorted stranded motorists along the Namanga Road to safety.
In neighbouring Machakos County, 34 people were arrested during similar protests in Machakos town.
Meanwhile, in Wote, Makueni County, drama unfolded after a man allegedly snatched a firearm from a police officer during protests early Tuesday and fled with it.
A video clip shared online showed the man running away as a group of youths chased behind him while cheering.
