Protests have erupted in Busia town, leaving motorists stranded along the Busia-Kisumu highway after residents blocked the road.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Videos of the incident show a large group of people blocking the highway in the town, causing a snarl-up along the highway as motorists watched.

According to witnesses, the residents gathered in Mariachi Estate ahead of the burial of a resident who died after being shot by police.

The man who has since been identified as Frederick Odhiambo, popularly known as Papa, was reportedly killed by police on May 19 during protests in the town.

📌 What You Need to Know

He was also a staff member attached to the ODM acting Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative, Catherine Omanyo.

Papa was said to have been caught in the middle of confrontations between residents and police officers following demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices before he was shot dead by police officers.

The May 19 demonstrations were protests against rising fuel prices and a demand for the release of another local who had been arrested for allegedly damaging a police vehicle.

Footage showed large crowds streaming into the estate in preparation for Odhiambo's burial, with residents expressing anger and frustration over the circumstances surrounding his death.

The gathering has heightened security concerns in the area , particularly among transport operators who fear possible disruptions to business activities.

According to the Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA), its members reported operating under difficult conditions as uncertainty continues to prevail in parts of the town.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke