Businesses Closed as Chaos Erupts Among Boda Boda Riders in Isinya
Tension gripped Isinya town in Kajiado County after violent clashes erupted among sections of boda boda riders on Wednesday night, extending into Thursday morning. The violence forced several businesses to close as residents fled the unrest.
Eyewitnesses and online footage show groups of riders chasing rivals through the streets, hurling stones and other objects while terrified locals sought refuge. By Thursday morning, most shops in the town remained closed amid fears of renewed violence.
Violence Escalates in Isinya
Reports suggest that the conflict began as a dispute between rival groups of boda boda riders but later escalated into confrontations involving local residents. Security agencies in Isinya have since convened emergency meetings to determine the cause and restore order.
A local activist, whose name surfaced in social media discussions about the clashes, denied claims of involvement, insisting he was out of town when the violence began.
“Yesterday, I was away from Isinya. Chaos erupted in our beautiful town. I am told that when the security agencies held a meeting, the first name floated was mine! Madam OCS, I am everything but I am not an inciter. I only fight for people’s rights,” he posted in a Kajiado County social forum.
Unconfirmed Cause of Clashes
While authorities have not yet confirmed the motive behind the unrest, preliminary reports indicate the violence may have stemmed from tribal tensions between two major communities in the town. Police presence has been increased in the area as investigations continue.
Broader Context of Urban Unrest
The Isinya incident came just hours after another disruption in Nairobi’s Fig Tree Market, Ngara, where traders protested the demolition of shops by unidentified individuals.Authorities reportedly reclaimed the market space for the construction of modern housing units, but traders argue their lease agreements had not yet expired.
