Chaos erupted in Malindi on Saturday when a protest by matatu operators turned violent, resulting in injuries and property damage.
The demonstrations began as a blockade outside the Malindi municipal offices but quickly escalated, disrupting operations and causing traffic delays for hours.
According to the protesting matatu operators, the violence was instigated by local politicians and carried out by goons.
The situation worsened when a group of rowdy youth attacked the operators, sparking a physical confrontation between the two groups.
Footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke shows the youth wielding sticks and other blunt objects as they assaulted the matatu operators.
The attackers also vandalized several matatus, smashing windows and windscreens.
“The goons came to destroy our matatus and beat us with sticks.
Sadly, these youths, who we know, have chosen to be violent towards us today,” the matatu operators lamented.
Authorities have claimed that the youth involved in the attack were carrying political placards, raising questions about the true motive behind the protests.
Officials at the Malindi municipal offices argue that the demonstrations were politically motivated, with the real aim being the removal of Silas Ngundo, the municipal manager.
“It appears there was some incitement unrelated to the matatu operators’ concerns.
The operators were likely used as a catalyst,” said Dadu Chome, the Malindi sub-county administrator.
“We believe the protests are politically driven, mainly linked to efforts to reinstate Silas Ngundo, the former municipal manager.
The MMOA chairman himself admitted that the protests were not about the association’s issues.”
Local politicians have accused Hafswa Homeni, a political figure, of inciting the matatu operators to protest for Ngundo’s reinstatement.
These leaders have called for political tolerance, suggesting that Hafswa had ulterior motives behind the demonstrations.
Ngundo has been embroiled in a long-running legal battle with his employer. Recently, the Labour and Employment Court ruled in his favor, disputing his dismissal.
However, only the Kilifi governor has the authority to appoint or redeploy senior county officials.
Meanwhile, Malindi Sub-County Police Commander Jos Mudavadi confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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