Tensions erupted in Makueni County on Monday after angry protesters allegedly torched a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) office in Wote town as nationwide outrage over soaring fuel prices boiled over.
The office, linked to President William Ruto’s ruling party, was reportedly stormed by a group of youths who vandalised property before setting part of the premises ablaze during chaotic demonstrations.
Dramatic videos and images circulating online showed thick black smoke billowing from the building as stunned residents gathered nearby to witness the aftermath. Other footage captured shattered windows, damaged furniture and sections of the office reduced to ashes.
Witnesses claimed the protesters forced their way into the premises moments before flames engulfed part of the structure.
“One side of the office was completely damaged while other sections had broken windows and scattered property,” a resident told local media.
By Monday evening, the fire had reportedly been contained, with locals and officials assessing the extent of the destruction. No fatalities or injuries had been confirmed by the time of publication, although losses worth thousands of shillings were feared.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance party had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
The dramatic attack came as anti-fuel price protests intensified across several parts of the country, paralysing transport and business operations in major towns including Nairobi.
Motorists, transport operators and small-scale traders have increasingly voiced frustration over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices becoming a major flashpoint.
Demonstrators accuse the government of failing to cushion Kenyans from escalating pump prices and worsening economic pressure. As anger mounted on Monday, some protesters appeared to direct their fury toward properties associated with the ruling party.
The Wote incident occurred almost simultaneously with another dramatic scene along Thika Superhighway in Nairobi, where a Mazda CX-5 vehicle was reportedly set on fire by protesters amid running battles and traffic paralysis.
Police officers were later deployed in several towns to contain the unrest as fears grew that the demonstrations could escalate further if tensions remain unresolved.
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