Chaos erupted during a public participation meeting convened by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Nairobi’s Westlands area after a group led by the Kileleshwa Ward Member of County Assembly Robert Alai allegedly disrupted the session, assaulted local administrators and triggered a police shooting incident.
According to the police, the meeting was being held along Westlands Avenue on Tuesday morning to discuss a proposed residential apartment project by Wondercrane Ltd.
The meeting, attended by more than 30 participants, was reportedly in its early stages when the MCA arrived accompanied by about 50 motorcycle riders carrying pillion passengers.
The group allegedly demanded the immediate suspension of the public participation exercise.
Alai was captured on video ordering those present including local administrators to leave.
Police and witnesses said tensions quickly escalated after the MCA and his supporters confronted NGAO officials. These included Kileleshwa Chief Joyline Gatakaa, Kilimani Chief Catherine Wawira and two assistant chiefs.
Alai questioned why the meeting was proceeding without involving “other actors.”
During the confrontation, the two chiefs were allegedly assaulted, with Gatakaa reportedly injured on the back while Wawira sustained injuries to her right hand.
Authorities said the situation later turned violent. This action prompted four Administration Police officers stationed nearby to intervene.
One officer discharged a single round from an AK-47 rifle into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Additional officers who were on patrol along Waiyaki Way, responded and managed to calm the situation.
The meeting was subsequently called off by the NEMA Nairobi regional director as police restored normalcy.
Investigations into the incident are being handled by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Kilimani.
Police said they were pursuing those behind the drama.
Alai did not respond to queries over the drama. Alai is not new to such drama as he is accused of being confrontational. He has in the past accused developers of erecting dangerous structures in the city.
He claimed corruption had driven the trend to dangerous levels leaving many exposed.
Featured image: Robert Alai on Instagram
