Nairobi — At least two people were shot dead and several others injured on Thursday in Nakuru town as police engaged rioting residents in street battles.

Residents of Flamingo, Kaloleni, Kimathi, and Kivumbini Estates who occupy houses belonging to the Municipal Council of Nakuru were protesting an eviction notice requiring them to vacate the houses due to non-payment of arrears.

The protests which began early Thursday morning turned violent when council askaris backed by a contingent of Regular Police from the Bondeni Police Station tried to forcibly evict tenants, attracting the attention of an irate mob.

Additional back up from the Nakuru's Central Police station was later called in after the mob set on fire a vehicle belonging to the Municipal Council of Nakuru, and hurled stones at the policemen, injuring two in the process.

The tenants were joined by hundreds of angry youth who barricaded Moi road which leads to the Nakuru National Park, leaving several tourists stranded, and they had to be given armed police escort.

Six people, two of them in critical condition, were receiving treatment for gunshot wounds at the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital.

Two Administration Police officers were also admitted at the Forces Memorial Hospital, one of them reportedly with a broken jaw after they were stoned by the mob.