Transport and business activities came to a standstill on the road leading to Lake Nakuru National Park on Monday morning, following protests by residents of Manyani Estate in Kivumbini, Nakuru County.
The protests were sparked by the alleged arrest of a 31-year-old man, Brian Odhiambo, who the locals claim was taken by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.
The angered residents blocked parts of Bondeni and the road leading to the main gate of the park, demanding justice for the missing man.
Footage from the scene shows protesters clashing with anti-riot police in violent running battles.
Tear gas was deployed in efforts to disperse the crowd, which was chanting slogans calling for the release of Odhiambo.
Protesters set up bonfires on the road and scattered stones along it, effectively halting access to the park, a major tourist destination that attracts hundreds of visitors daily.
Odhiambo, a local fisherman, was reportedly taken by KWS officers on January 19, but since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown, raising alarm among the residents.
Residents have previously voiced concerns over alleged harassment by park wardens, particularly towards fishermen in the area.
At the time of publishing, local authorities had not commented on the situation.
Tensions remained high in Bondeni as anti-riot police worked to clear the road and restore order.
The protest follows a similar incident from just four months ago, when residents raised alarms about a leopard that had escaped from the park, terrorizing the nearby community and causing fear among locals.
The ongoing unrest highlights growing frustrations with KWS operations and the perceived lack of response to local concerns.
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