Written by Lisa Murimi
In an alarming act of protest, an unidentified individual in Mombasa set himself ablaze on August 17, reportedly to draw attention to the dire economic challenges afflicting millions of Kenyans.
A video circulated online depicts the man dousing himself with a suspected flammable liquid near a petrol station in Mwembe Tayari, Mombasa, before igniting the fire as onlookers watched and recorded.
The incident highlights the widespread despair stemming from rising living costs, business slowdowns, and job cuts in Kenya. While some locals claimed the man’s action was related to theft, others tried to intervene and urged him to stop.
A police officer based in Mombasa confirmed that the man had indeed set himself on fire.
“We have already rushed him to Coast General Hospital where he is receiving treatment,” he stated adding that police officers were yet to question him on what prompted him to take the drastic action.
In a recorded video, he voiced frustrations over the allegedly mishandled 2022 presidential election, although the connection between the poll’s outcome and his self-immolation remains unclear.
The cost of living has become a contentious issue in Kenya, driven by factors such as soaring fuel prices, persistent drought, and currency depreciation.
Past instances have seen Kenyans take to the streets to protest these challenges, reflecting the deep impact of economic hardships on the population.
