The business community in Kitengela has been left counting massive losses following chaotic protests held in the town yesterday.
The peaceful protest aimed at raising concerns about the high cost of living turned chaotic after a surging rowdy crowd engaged security officers in running battles.
The protesters paralysed transport along the busy Nairobi Namanga highway by barricading the road using stones and lighting bonfires.
They also resorted to looting after attempts to storm a police station were thwarted twice by cops.
Eastmatt Supermarket, one of the largest retailers in the populous town, was among the businesses the protesters looted and caused massive destruction by breaking windows.
The protesters managed to gain entry into the supermarket by breaking into the retail store. At the time, business was at a standstill.
The supermarket remains closed as auditors assess the extent of looting and damages.
Government services at some offices have also been paralyzed as the protesters torched the assistant County commissioner's office, chief's office, Identity Cards issuance office and administration police offices.
Tens of uncollected Identity cards were reduced to ashes. The national flag was also torched while hanging on the masts. Office furniture and moveable items including laptops were looted.
Locals seeking services at the offices this morning were left stranded.
The destruction and looting was condemned by locals who urged protesters to embrace peaceful protests.
"It is okay to picket but it is not right to cause destruction and looting. The protests had more negative impact than positive," an elder Daniel Parmuya said.
Two civilians and a police officer injured during the melee are admitted to hospital but reported to be in stable condition.
