Five people in Machakos and Kajiado Counties were on Wednesday shot dead in separate standoffs between police and demonstrators during the anti-government protest in the country.

Three victims were shot dead after blocking and vandalising the road and causing traffic problems near the Mlolongo Expressway Toll Station.

According to police, after defacing the Mlolongo Motorway wall, the protesters—also accused of throwing rocks at a Quick Mart Supermarket next to the toll station—wanted to rob the booth.

However, the motorway has been shut down, and the critical infrastructure unit has been secured by the police, further snarling traffic on the road that connects Mlolongo and Nairobi.

The two additional victims also perished during similar protests in Kitengela.