Tension has gripped Isinya Town in Kajiado County on the evening of October 8 after a violent ethnic confrontation broke out between members of the Maasai and Luhya communities who reside in the town. The clashes reportedly began at around 6:30 p.m. when bodaboda riders were prevented from accessing certain interior parts of the town, sparking anger and retaliation.
Eyewitnesses said the confrontation on October 8 started when riders were accused of disrupting local businesses. Those found operating in the restricted zones were beaten together with the customers they carried. The situation escalated when a group believed to be from one side of the conflict entered the town near the bodaboda stage, leading to a fight as the riders tried to chase them away.
Other bodaboda stages within the area are said to have joined in to defend their colleagues, intensifying the clashes. Reports from residents indicate that some people were attacked on the streets as the violence spread.
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Police officers deployed to the scene used tear gas to try and disperse the crowds but were unable to fully contain the situation. Businesses closed early while residents sought refuge indoors as the tension continued into the night.
By nightfall, parts of the town were deserted. Some residents reported hearing loud screams and seeing people running for safety as police vehicles patrolled the area. Others claimed that several motorbikes were vandalized during the chaos.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of those injured or arrested. Security teams remain on the ground monitoring the situation as efforts to restore calm continue.
The cause of the conflict and the extent of the damage are still being established, with local leaders expected to intervene to help reconcile the warring sides and prevent further escalation.
By Benedict Aoya
