What began as a tense protest in the quiet town of Ndunyu, Nyandarua County, spiraled into chaos and destruction. On Thursday evening, furious residents set the local police post on fire after a boda boda rider was allegedly shot by a police officer.
The young rider had joined dozens of villagers outside the station to demand justice over repeated cattle thefts in the area. Earlier, police had arrested three suspects believed to be behind the crimes and were holding them inside. But the crowd, angry and disillusioned with the justice system, insisted the suspects be released to them.
The atmosphere grew volatile. Amid shouting and pushing, a police officer opened fire. A bullet struck the rider, sending him crashing to the ground. He was rushed to North Kinangop Hospital in critical condition.
News of the shooting spread like wildfire.
Within minutes, the peaceful protest turned into a wave of outrage. Residents stormed the police station, and soon, flames began to rise from the building. Dark smoke billowed into the sky as the structure burned, while onlookers watched from a distance—some cheering, others simply stunned.
The confrontation came just hours after a government official had issued a controversial shoot-to-kill order for anyone attempting to breach police stations, citing frustrations over suspects being released and returning to mock officers.
But for many in Ndunyu, the shooting felt like another blow from a system that had already failed them.
As the charred remains of the station cooled, the air in the town remained heavy—with grief, with anger, and with a deepening mistrust between citizens and those meant to protect them.