Kenyans are alarmed after video footage emerged online showing a protester carrying what appears to be a grenade launcher during ongoing demonstrations against fuel costs.
The images and footage show a young man in a bright yellow shirt running down a road while clutching a long-barreled weapon, suggesting a hurried retreat.
Several other men are seen chasing after him, apparently in pursuit.
How the individual acquired the weapon from police authorities remains unknown.
According to multiple reports, the footage was captured in Wote Town, Makueni County.
Nationwide protests against rising fuel prices and living costs peaked on May 18 across major urban areas, with Nairobi, Kitengela, Mombasa, Kisumu, Makueni, and the Mt Kenya region witnessing the most severe disturbances and transport disruptions.
Interestingly, Makueni County was the location where United Democratic Alliance (UDA) county offices were set fire to during the peak of the May 18 fuel demonstrations.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a manhunt and investigation into the matter.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that detectives are thoroughly examining the incident, which was part of the attack.
In Kenya, individuals found in possession of firearms without proper certification or permits commit a criminal offense.
The Firearms Act (Cap 114) strictly regulates private gun ownership. This means carrying or possessing a firearm without official authorization constitutes a direct legal breach.
Such offenses carry a seven-year prison sentence, while having prohibited firearms or connections to organized crime can lead to life imprisonment.
No official response from state security agencies has been provided regarding the viral video showing a young person with ammunition reportedly taken from police.