Two dead, five motorbikes torched during anti-state protest in Mlolongo

Two people were shot dead and five motorcycles torched during the anti-government demonstrations in Mlolongo, Machakos County on Tuesday.

The duo, both men, reportedly succumbed to bullet injuries allegedly inflicted by police officers who had been deployed to quell the demonstrations in Mlolongo town during the demonstrations.

Sources told the Star that the two were pronounced dead on arrival at a private hospital located along Biashara Street within Mlolongo town where they had been rushed by members of the public.

The Star couldn’t immediately establish whether the deceased persons were among the demonstrators who poured on Mlolongo streets on Tuesday morning.

Five motor vehicles allegedly belonging to bodaboda operators within the town were also torched during the protests.

Police stated that the motorbikes were burnt following a clash between two groups; one opposed to the demonstrations and another pro-demonstrations.

The matter was reported to Mlolongo police station a as situation report on demonstrations/ riots incident at 5.30 pm.

“Protesters started demonstrations within Mlolongo Township at around 10.00 am. Some were in support of the demonstrations/riots and another faction that was opposing,” a police report seen by the Star reads in part.

“This led to the burning of five motorbikes which were left unattended. The situation is still tense, but officers are still present endeavouring to suppress the rioters and restore normalcy,” the report reads in part.