The demonstrations reflect growing anger and fear among locals who say crime in the area has increased while security response remains slow and ineffective.
The protests erupted after reports emerged that a couple was attacked and shot by suspected robbers in their home area.
According to residents, the incident happened at night, causing panic and renewed concern about safety.
While the victims survived and were taken to hospital, the attack became the final trigger for residents who say they have endured repeated criminal incidents for months.
Early in the morning, groups of residents blocked sections of major roads, lit bonfires, and chanted slogans demanding immediate action from security agencies.
Some carried placards accusing authorities of ignoring their plight, while others called for the deployment of more police officers to the area.
Businesses were forced to close as tension remained high for several hours.
Residents say armed robberies, house break-ins, and attacks on boda boda riders have become common in Nyatike.
They claim criminals take advantage of poor lighting, bad roads, and limited police patrols to carry out their activities.
Many people now fear moving around at night, while others say even daytime travel is no longer safe.
“We are tired of living in fear,” said one resident during the protest. “People are being attacked in their homes, and nothing changes. We want protection, not promises.”
Others echoed the same sentiments, saying leaders only visit after tragic incidents but fail to provide long-term solutions.
Local leaders who addressed the protesters urged calm but admitted that insecurity is a serious concern.
They called on the national government to increase police presence, improve response time, and ensure criminals are arrested and prosecuted.
Some leaders also asked residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information that could help track down suspects.
Police officers were later deployed to the area to restore calm and reopen blocked roads.
Security officials said investigations into the shooting incident were ongoing and assured residents that suspects would be pursued.
They also promised to increase patrols, especially in areas considered crime hotspots.