Isinya: Tension gripped Isinya town in Kajiado County on Thursday, after a disagreement between a boda boda rider and his passenger over fare payment escalated into violent clashes between two rival groups.
According to Kenya News Agency, witnesses reported that the passenger claimed he had paid the rider twice for a trip, sparking a heated exchange that quickly drew in other riders and residents. The confrontation turned violent, forcing traders to shut their shops and flee for safety.
The incident, which started late Wednesday night, spilled over into Thursday morning, disrupting traffic along the busy Nairobi-Namanga highway as angry youths barricaded sections of the road with stones and burning debris. At least one person was seriously injured during the clashes, while four motorcycles were burnt before police intervened.
Esther Theuri, a shopkeeper in the town, described the chaos: 'We heard loud screams and saw smoke rising from the street. People were running in all directions as the fighting intensified,' she said. Police officers from Isinya Police Station fired in the air to disperse the rival groups and managed to restore calm after several hours. A number of suspects were arrested and are assisting with investigations.
Isinya Sub-County Police Commander Simon Lokitari confirmed the incident, stating that officers had been deployed to patrol the area. 'We urge residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to resolve disputes through dialogue,' Lokitari said.
Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai condemned the violence and called on residents to maintain peace. 'Such acts only hurt our community and disrupt livelihoods. I urge our youth to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its course,' said Maimai. Local leaders and elders have also appealed for calm, warning that continued unrest could undermine business and investment in the fast-growing township.