Hired 'goons' vanish after being cornered by Kericho protesters

The alleged goons were chased away by protesters.

In Summary
  • The group of armed youths was hired allegedly to counter the demos in the streets of Kericho town.
  • The alleged youth were spotted warking with sticks scaring the business community,who hurriedly closed shop in the morning session fearing looting of their business merchandise.
Peaceful demonstrators addressing journalists in Kericho town after chasing away a section of hired goons during the Gen-Zs demos at KCC round about, Kericho town Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Peaceful demonstrators addressing journalists in Kericho town after chasing away a section of hired goons during the Gen-Zs demos at KCC round about, Kericho town Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Image: SONU TANU

A group of youths allegedly hired to block the demos from happening in Kericho Town vanished after protesters faced them off in the streets of the town.

Town residents questioned the criteria used to release youths who were armed with sticks in the streets of the town ahead of protests.

Shopkeepers hurriedly closed shops after Gen-Z backers engaged in an argument over the use of an armed group during Tuesday demos in Kericho town.

After a heated exchange of words, the youths who were riding on motorbikes armed with sticks, masks on their faces and monkey caps vanished upon realising they were in a hostile position.

"We were caught unaware when we saw youths armed with sticks patrolling the streets of Kericho town instead of anti-riot police," Kericho businessman Japheth Mutai remarked.

Two hours later, a group of youth purporting to be genuine Gen-Zs stormed the streets demanding drastic changes in Kenya's Kwanza government for the betterment of the economy and job creation.

The group of armed youths is said to have been hired to allegedly counter the demos in the streets of Kericho town.

The alleged youth were spotted walking with sticks scaring the business community, who hurriedly closed shop in the morning session fearing looting of their business merchandise.

The epicentre of the demo took place at the KCC roundabout in the full glare of ant-riot police.

Nearby shops closed as owners feared looting from the alleged goons.

A vehicle believed to have been hired was allegedly used to supply the sticks to some of the youths.

Mutai who is the chairman of Bunge la Mwananchi in Kericho town condemned the alleged hiring of youths to cause chaos.

Richard Mutai who is the chairman of Bunge la Mwananchi in Kericho town engages anti-riot police in heated argument.He demanded the police to disperse youths who were unleashed to cause chaos in Kericho town
Richard Mutai who is the chairman of Bunge la Mwananchi in Kericho town engages anti-riot police in heated argument.He demanded the police to disperse youths who were unleashed to cause chaos in Kericho town
Image: SONU TANU
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