What began as a typical Monday morning journey for Reverend Henry Larwey ended in shock and significant financial loss. As protests against rising fuel prices gripped parts of Nairobi, the clergyman found himself caught in the middle of a demonstration that quickly turned violent in the Githurai area.
The protests were initially organised by public transport operators to voice frustration over the increasing cost of fuel in Kenya. However, for Pastor Larwey, who was driving towards the Kamakis area for his daily activities, the situation escalated into a personal crisis when he encountered a mob of demonstrators.
A Journey Interrupted
The encounter began when protesters forced the Reverend to slow down his vehicle. According to Pastor Larwey, he initially tried to engage with the group to de-escalate the situation. The mood shifted rapidly when his mobile phone was snatched, making any form of negotiation impossible.
"I realised my phone was taken... I could not negotiate with them by giving them anything," the Pastor recalled.
The group then began a coordinated attack on the car, pelted it with stones, and forced the doors and boot open to loot his belongings.
The UDA Sash Trigger
The situation took a more targeted turn when the protesters noticed a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party sash draped around the neck of the driver’s seat. The discovery of the political merchandise sparked an immediate and volatile reaction from the crowd.
The mob began shouting in Swahili, identifying him as a "UDA guy". The presence of the sash appeared to provoke the group further, leading them to smash the vehicle before setting it completely ablaze.
"When I got out of the seat, they saw a UDA sash... then they started shouting. It provoked them and they came to the car and started smashing it," Pastor Larwey explained.
Impact and Losses
The destruction of the vehicle represents a massive personal and financial blow. Pastor Larwey estimated the value of the car at approximately 3 million Kenyan shillings, noting that the vehicle was relatively new.
Ironically, the Pastor noted that his personal mission involves running a programme aimed at connecting local youth with employment opportunities—the very demographic involved in the day’s unrest.
A Call for Peace
Following the incident, the Reverend reported the matter to the Kasarani Police Station, where he was advised to return on Tuesday to provide a more comprehensive statement for the official investigation.
Despite the total loss of his car, Pastor Larwey has maintained a remarkably calm stance. He has urged Kenyan citizens to remain civilised during demonstrations and to seek peaceful ways to express opposition rather than resorting to destruction.
"People have a right to do what they want... but God is still on the throne," he said, reflecting on the ordeal.
