Three protesters were on Thursday shot dead at Masimba area on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
Protesters drawn from Kajiado County had blocked the busy highway to demonstrate against the rampant wildlife attacks in Kenya Poka area of Mashuuru two weeks after a teacher was killed by a marauding lion.
Tens of women had barricaded the road using stones and bonfires while their male counterparts kept vigil before hell broke loose after a confrontation with GSU officers said to have been plying the route.
Defiant women blocked the officers before a confrontation ensued prompting the male protesters to charge towards the officers who in turn opened fire.
Protesters fight with police
According to an eyewitness, who is a bodaboda operator in the area, the scuffle ensued when protesters began pelting stones at the officers before the officers began shooting in the air.
"When the officers shot in the air to disperse the rowdy crowd, the protesters were unmoved and instead fought back. It is until when the officers began shooting individuals that women surrendered, wailed and pleaded for forgiveness but men went on, " the eyewitness said.
He says the officers, who were in a lorry, fled the scene leaving the protesters in confusion and tears as they scampered for safety in different directions.
Mashuuru sub-county police commander Charles Chepkonga, while confirming the incident, urged members of the public to be calm saying they have begun investigations into the matter.
"It is disheartening to report that lives have been lost during peaceful demonstrations and tens of motorists inconvenienced for the better part of the day.
"Investigations into the matter have began in earnest and we will not leave anything to chance," Chepkonga said.
The scores of those who were injured were rushed to Makindu Hospital for treatment as bodies were moved to the hospital morgue.
In the recent past, human-wildlife conflict in the area has been rampant due to diminishing pasture.
