The driver, of a matatu torched on Tuesday, May 2, along Ngong Road, countered police assertion that authorities did their best in preventing the destruction of property during Azimio protests
Francis Ogato Nyakundi pointed fingers at the police department headed by Inspector General Japhet Koome, lamenting that the squad deployed along the road failed to help him despite repeated cries for help.
“I called on the police to help me when we were attacked but they did not respond,” the matatu owner stated, indicating that there were over 30 police officers on standby.
Nyakundi further explained that he was carrying passengers from Karen when the protestors started stoning his vehicle.
Immediately after the mayhem, the driver and his passengers scampered for safety before the irate youth burned down the vehicle.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, on Tuesday, May 2, absolved security officers of any blame and claimed that the protestors were responsible for the destruction of the vehicle.
“While the police have done everything within the law to protect the lives and property, rowdy mobs engaged in isolated but violent, chaotic and disorderly conduct endangering national security.
“A Public Service Vehicle Registration No. KBV362 was burnt to ashes along Ngong Road,” the CS stated at the time.
Matatu Chairman Simon Kimutai, in a press briefing on Wednesday, May 3, clarified reports circulating online that the whole incident was stage-managed.
While the government blamed protestors, opposition members cast doubts indicating that there was a possibility the whole incident was stage-managed to paint Azimio’s led demos as chaotic and violent.
“The rumour that the matatu was taken from the garage is completely false. It was moving at the time when it was burnt down.” Kimutai explained.
Kimutai added that according to video footage, the matatu was burned by a group of over forty protesters.
He also revealed that Nyakundi may not be able to receive compensation from the insurance company for the damage because the vehicle only had third-party cover.
