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Protests erupt in Umoja after man dies after being pushed from moving matatu
29th August, 2026 02:46 PM
Protests have erupted in Umoja after a man, Brian Wafula, died after being pushed from a moving matatu following a payment dispute.
A group of youth and community members later stormed the Utimo Matatu Sacco offices in Buruburu on Saturday, August 29, 2026. The protesters were demanding accountability over the death of their colleague, who died two weeks ago.
The man had reportedly helped the matatu out of deep mud but was later denied his agreed payment. His colleagues said he boarded the matatu to demand the money he was owed. The confrontation then turned tragic after he was pushed out of the moving vehicle.
Mwangi Macharia, a family representative, explained what happened after the man got into the vehicle. He said people who were at the scene had called for help before the situation changed. He explained that the driver tried to leave as Wafula entered the vehicle.
“Wale watu walikua pale waliwaita wawasaidie. Wakati walivuta ile gari ikanguruma.aliingia kufuatana ili alipe, akaingia kwa gari ndani , driver alikua anatoroka, wakamsukuma chini. Na wakampitia juu,” Mwangi Macharia, a family representative, said on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The man sustained head injuries after he was pushed from the matatu. His death has since led to protests by youth and community members who want those responsible to be held accountable. The protesters stormed the Utimo Matatu Sacco offices in Buruburu as they sought answers over the incident.
Protests at sacco offices
The confrontation at the Sacco offices prompted police deployment as protesters blocked the entrances. The group demanded accountability over the death while police officers moved in as tensions rose at the offices. The incident has also led to efforts to trace the matatu crew involved.
Buruburu OCPD said investigations into the matter are ongoing. Police are searching for the matatu crew as they work to establish what happened before the man was pushed from the vehicle. The investigation comes as his family and colleagues continue to seek support.
The man’s body remains at the Mama Lucy Hospital morgue as his family prepares for his burial. His family and colleagues are appealing for financial support to help give him a dignified burial. The calls for support come as the family continues to deal with the loss.
A family representative also raised concerns over the amount of money offered towards the burial. The representative questioned whether the amount would be enough to cover the burial expenses.
“Huyo mama anataka kutupatia elfu tatu, itazika nani?” another representative said.
