NAIVASHA, KENYA – An investigation is underway following a violent incident on Thursday, 6 November 2025, where a commercial trailer was set ablaze by enraged youths on the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway. The truck, which was in transit to Uganda, was completely destroyed, but its cargo of Bibles remained remarkably unscathed, an outcome that has captured public attention across Kenya.

The driver, identified as Christopher Onyango, escaped unharmed but recounted a harrowing ordeal. According to his statement, the mob of youths stopped his vehicle, robbed him of his personal belongings including his phone, jacket, and shoes, and demanded money. "I tried to reverse, but they took my phone, jacket, and shoes," Onyango stated. He managed to escape when his assailants were distracted.

Political Rally and Public Discontent

The unrest reportedly erupted following a public event attended by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika in the Kihoto Estate. The Governor was present to address the severe flooding crisis caused by the rising waters of Lake Naivasha, which has displaced over 4,000 residents. Eyewitness accounts suggest the mood soured after Governor Kihika's address, where she had allegedly promised financial assistance to those affected. The chaos began when crowds surged towards the governor's convoy after her speech, and security personnel blocked their access, leading to widespread frustration.

Witnesses claim the youth's anger was fuelled by unfulfilled promises of payment from political figures present at the event. “This is a result of anger from the youth. They were promised money, and the money was not given, and they ended up torching these trailers," one onlooker reported. These allegations of incitement remain a key focus for investigators, though no specific politicians have been formally implicated. In the ensuing rampage, at least two vehicles, including Onyango's trailer, were set on fire.

A 'Miracle' Amidst the Chaos

While the truck's cabin and tires were reduced to a charred wreck, images and videos circulating widely on social media show the containerised cargo area broken open, revealing stacks of boxed Bibles untouched by the flames. This startling discovery has been termed a 'miracle' by many Kenyans online, shifting a story of political violence and public desperation into a national discussion on faith and divine intervention.

Mr. Onyango expressed his relief that the cargo was not looted, noting the complexities that would have arisen from the theft of goods in transit. "If they had managed to break into the trailer and steal the Bibles, it would have been two different cases. I'm a driver in transit, the trailer has been burnt down, but the Bibles remained intact," he said.

Official Response and Broader Context

Nakuru County authorities and the Kenya Police Service have launched a full investigation into the arson and robbery. Attempts by police to disperse the crowd at the scene were initially unsuccessful, with reports of officers firing shots in the air to control the agitated mob. The incident highlights persistent issues of youth unemployment and their vulnerability to political manipulation, a recurring theme in Kenyan socio-political discourse.

The underlying cause of the gathering—the devastating floods in Kihoto Estate—points to a severe environmental and humanitarian crisis in the region. Residents recently filed a constitutional petition against the government, citing a failure to act on the recurring and destructive flooding from Lake Naivasha. This context of long-standing grievance likely contributed to the volatile atmosphere on Thursday. As police continue their investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the intersection of political tensions, economic hardship, and public faith in Kenya.