A gang of more than 20 violent protesters robbed a petrol station along Juja Road in Nairobi on the morning of May 2 as Azimio protests kicked off in parts of the country.
In a video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the rowdy youth mugged petrol station attendants and pedestrians in the vicinity.
“More than 20 people were there, few stood back as others robbed the petrol station. They stole gas containers from the station.
“The petrol station is near the Moi Air Force Base. They also mugged pedestrians on the street,” noted a human rights defender who requested anonymity.
Men could be seen vandalising equipment at the petrol station with police nowhere to be seen during the attack.
“Some men tried to siphon fuel into containers and run away,” he added.
He added that there were more than 50 men standing and watching as their colleagues stormed the establishment.
The robbery rekindled memories of what happened during March anti-government protests led by the Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
The bi-weekly protests were called off on April 2, right before the Easter holidays. Stone-throwing, muggings, and running battles were witnessed at that time.
The robbery incident came after a public service vehicle was torched along Ngong' Road which was also blamed on violent protesters.
On May 1, during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, President William Ruto declared that he would not allow violent demonstrators to destroy property.
“We also know what democracy looks like and what human rights are. It has nothing to do with violence, anarchy, destruction of properties and people’s businesses,” stated Ruto.
On his part, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga urged his followers to demonstrate peacefully.
"Our demonstrators have been informed that protests will be peaceful. No one will carry any weapons," Odinga noted.
