Protesters Set Fire to County Offices and Law Courts in Kikuyu During June 25 Anniversary Demonstrations
The June 25 anniversary protests in Kikuyu town turned violent after angry demonstrators allegedly set fire to the Kikuyu Law Courts and several sub-county government offices.
Footage reviewed by Newshub.co.ke on Wednesday, June 25, showed intense flames engulfing the court buildings and offices. The fire also destroyed various equipment and vehicles, including tractors and tuk-tuks, that were parked within the compound.
Eyewitnesses reported that some protestors managed to force their way into several government offices. Although these particular offices were not reached by the flames, the protestors went on a rampage inside—smashing windows, tearing apart furniture, and destroying important documents.
A few police officers on the ground were captured in video clips frantically trying to put out the fire. Some were seen using buckets filled with water and soil in a desperate attempt to stop the flames from spreading further.
Anti-riot police also arrived at the scene and managed to arrest a number of individuals believed to have taken part in the destruction.
“They’ve burned down the county offices—everything has been set on fire,” said one police officer at the scene.
Thousands of Kenyans participated in protests across the country on Wednesday, marking one year since the deadly anti-finance bill demonstrations of 2024, which claimed the lives of many young people.
The Kikuyu unrest became the second serious incident reported that day, involving destruction of government property. Earlier in the day, in Machakos County, a protester lost their life, and several others were injured after police opened fire as demonstrators tried to storm the Matuu Police Station.
According to witnesses, the group of mainly young protesters reached the station and caused significant damage to police property during their standoff with officers.
Reports indicate that the injured individuals were taken for medical treatment at nearby health facilities, including Matuu Level 4 Hospital.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) strongly condemned the actions of the police, accusing them of using unnecessary and excessive force on the demonstrators.
The commission called upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch an urgent investigation into the incident and ensure that the officers involved in the shootings are held accountable.
“Police in Matuu, Machakos, opened fire on peaceful demonstrators. One person has been killed, and eight others have suffered injuries. These protesters were demanding justice for the young lives lost during the 2024 Gen Z protests,” KHRC stated.
They further revealed that seven of the injured were in critical condition—three of them were receiving treatment at a private medical facility, while the remaining four were admitted to Matuu Level 4 Hospital.
The events in Kikuyu and Matuu have intensified public outrage, with many Kenyans now questioning the government’s approach to handling civil demonstrations and expressing concern over the growing number of injuries and fatalities during protests.
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