Public service infrastructure in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, was left in ruins on Wednesday after a Gen Z-led protest spiraled into violence, following the fatal police shooting of a demonstrator.
What began as a peaceful rally demanding economic reforms, transparency, and better governance quickly descended into chaos after reports emerged that a young protester had been shot dead by police.
In the hours that followed, widespread destruction engulfed both county and national government offices.
According to officials, 26 County Government vehicles, including 21 in active use, were torched at the Ol Kalou Sub-County offices. An additional 18 motorcycles, recently procured music equipment for youth groups, and multiple county departments — including Public Health, Social Services, the County Library, and the Weights and Measures Office — were destroyed.
The National Government also suffered significant losses. Protesters razed parts of the Ol Kalou Police Station, including the report office and exhibit store, alongside the Deputy County Commissioner’s (DCC) and Assistant County Commissioner’s (ACC) offices, and nine GK vehicles.
Offices under the Agriculture, Education, and National Registration Bureau were also affected resulting in the loss of uncollected national ID cards and vital records.
Deputy County Commissioner Michael Ololtuaa described the damage as a targeted attack on essential public services.
“We have lost critical infrastructure and documents that thousands rely on. This is an attack on the community,” he said.
Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha, who toured the ruins, condemned the violence and called for swift investigations. “We must protect the right to protest, but this destruction cannot be justified,” he stated.
Security personnel have since been deployed to restore order, as investigations continue into the shooting and coordinated arson. The identity of the slain protester has not yet been released.
