Transport and business activities were disrupted on the road leading to Lake Nakuru National Park on Monday morning after residents staged protests against the alleged arrest of one of their own.
Residents of Manyani Estate in Kivumbini, Nakuru County, protested following the disappearance of a 31-year-old man who was allegedly taken by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.
The enraged residents took to the streets, barricading parts of Bondeni and the road leading to Lake Nakuru National Park’s main gate, demanding justice.
Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke shows protesters clashing with anti-riot police in running battles, with tear gas used to disperse residents who were chanting songs calling for the release of the missing man.
A file image of Lake Nakuru
File
The crowd lit bonfires on the road and placed stones along it, effectively blocking access to the park, which attracts hundreds of tourists daily.
The missing man, identified as Brian Odhiambo, a local fisherman, was reportedly taken by KWS officers at Lake Nakuru National Park on January 19.
However, since the alleged arrest by the officers, his whereabouts remain unknown, which sparked concern and outrage among residents.
Residents have previously complained about alleged harassment of fishermen at Lake Nakuru by the park wardens.
At the time of publishing this story, the relevant security authorities had not yet commented on the matter.
The situation at Bondeni remains tense as anti-riot police work to restore normality by clearing stones from the road.
The protest comes barely four months after residents criticized KWS following an incident where a leopard escaped from the park, causing fear among those living nearby.
The leopard was spotted roaming the area, reportedly targeting dogs at night. Residents lamented that they were exposed to imminent danger from the park’s wildlife.
A street in Nakuru City
Photo
Lake Nakuru National Park