Drama erupted in Makutano Town on Monday, May 18, after North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood was attacked by angry protesters while attempting to join demonstrations against rising fuel prices.
Tensions are believed to have flared moments after the legislator arrived on foot to show solidarity with residents protesting the latest increase in pump prices.
What initially appeared to be a show of support quickly turned chaotic when Dawood attempted to calm the crowd and address them, in a Weru TV video seen by TNX Africa.
A section of the demonstrators turned hostile, hurling stones at the MP and his entourage.
In dramatic scenes, his bodyguard was seen shielding him as security officers rushed him away from the crowd.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood was chased away by protesters during the ongoing Matatu Strike after attempting to address the crowd hahah leo ni mbaiyaaaa sana!! pic.twitter.com/yCSfeJOsBH
— Mary Njoroge (@Maryian96) May 18, 2026
Protesters repeatedly chanted “Wantam” as the lawmaker was escorted to safety.
Reports indicate the MP was unhurt during the confrontation.
Earlier in the day, Dawood had shared a video of himself heading to Meru Town, saying he was ready to march alongside residents protesting the high cost of fuel and living expenses.
“Today, I am on foot, and I am waiting for my people so that we can protest together. Fuel prices must come down. The Sh25 Road Maintenance Levy and the 8 per cent value-added tax must be scrapped,” Dawood said.
Despite publicly backing the demonstrations, some protesters accused him of inconsistency, citing an earlier event where he had assured William Ruto that Meru Town would remain peaceful and free from protests.
The demonstrations were part of wider nationwide protests triggered by a sharp rise in fuel prices, with super petrol increasing by Sh16.62 per litre and diesel by Sh46 per litre.
Meanwhile, Treasury CS John Mbadi urged Kenyans and public transport operators to call off the protests, insisting the fuel price hike was largely driven by global market forces.