Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha when he visited the Ol Kalou Sub County offices which were torched by angry protesters on 25 June, 2025. Photo/GPS
By Newsflash Reporter
Ol Kalou Sub-County is reeling from the aftermath of violent protests that left public offices in ruins, vehicles burned, and one young man dead.
On Thursday, 26 June, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha led a team of county leaders and security officials to assess the extensive damage following Wednesday’s unrest.
During the inspection tour, Badilisha confirmed that key government facilities—including the Sub-county offices, civil registration offices, the assistant county commissioner’s premises, and the local police station—were either torched or extensively vandalized. Property worth millions of shillings was destroyed in the chaos.
“What we have witnessed is truly unfortunate. The destruction has undone years of investment in infrastructure and public service,” Badilisha said. “Buildings, official vehicles, and valuable documents were reduced to ashes in just a few hours.”
The Governor was accompanied by Nyandarua Deputy Governor H.E. Mathara Mwangi, senior security officials, and other county leaders. The team visited the damaged facilities to get a first-hand view of the destruction and discuss potential recovery plans.
Life lost in the unrest
But beyond the material loss, the protests also claimed a life. Badilisha expressed sorrow over the death of Brian Ndung’u, a young man who died during the unrest. Details surrounding his death remain unclear, but initial reports suggest he was caught in the clashes between protesters and security personnel.
“I take this opportunity to condole with the family of Brian Ndung’u. His passing is tragic, and it is deeply regrettable that the exercise of constitutionally protected rights—to assemble, picket, and express one’s views—has resulted in such a loss,” said Badilisha.
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The protests in Olkalou were part of a broader wave of nationwide demonstrations largely driven by Kenya’s youth, particularly Gen Z, who have taken to the streets to voice their frustration with economic conditions and perceived government insensitivity.
While many rallies were peaceful, some, including the one in Olkalou, turned violent, leading to widespread destruction.
County officials have now called for calm and urged residents to express their grievances through lawful means.
Badilisha pledged to work with national government agencies to restore services and rebuild the destroyed facilities.
“As leaders, we must now focus on healing, rebuilding, and ensuring this never happens again,” he said.
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