Kenyan activist Hanifa makes a gesture during a protest in downtown Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. Photo: AP/Brian Inganga
By Newsflash Reporter
What began as a peaceful protest calling for justice for teacher Albert Ojwang’ turned chaotic on Tuesday, June 17, when hired gangs—some armed with machetes, whips, and stones—stormed Nairobi’s Central Business District, walking side-by-side with anti-riot police as violence engulfed the city.
Eyewitnesses reported that these thugs, many riding on motorbikes, infiltrated the protest early in the day, transforming a peaceful demonstration into a scene of fear and destruction. Some protestors sustained serious injuries and were treated by volunteer medics near Jamia Mosque.
One of the thugs, who spoke anonymously, said he was told they were being hired to guard businesses from looters. “I knew it was dangerous, but I took the money,” he admitted, revealing that estate chairpersons and political mobilizers were behind the recruitment.
Last week, a viral video captured Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo, alias Matach, openly encouraging the deployment of goons to disrupt protests. Though it remains unclear who specifically instructed Tuesday’s attackers, the coordination and scale of violence suggested a deliberate, well-orchestrated plan.
Knife-wielding gangs mugged civilians in broad daylight, as uniformed police—tasked with protecting the public—stood by or even facilitated their movement. Protesters and bystanders were robbed, beaten, and teargassed in a city under siege.
Police defy court orders
Despite a 2024 court directive by Justice Bahati Mwamuye requiring all officers managing protests to wear identifiable uniforms and tags, many police on duty wore masks and concealed vehicle plates. The Law Society of Kenya condemned the blatant disregard for the court order.
“The ruling was clear. Police officers were required to be visible and identifiable. Their conduct is not only unlawful—it encourages impunity,” said LSK Council member Hosea Manwa.
Read more: Killer cop arrested – IG Kanja
Among the most shocking incidents was the shooting of a mask vendor, identified only as Ali, near Imenti House. Amateur footage showed two officers assaulting the man before one fired a close-range shot to his head. The officer then fled in a waiting police Land Cruiser with no number plates. Ali was left bleeding for over seven minutes before protesters carried him to a nearby hospital.
Photo: REUTERS/John Muchucha
“He was just trying to earn a living,” said witness Jane Atieno. “They didn’t even ask questions. They beat him, then shot him.”
The shooting further incensed protesters, who began chanting anti-government slogans and chasing the officers from the scene.
Goons paid
An investigation revealed that the goons were assembled early Tuesday at a petrol station along Valley Road. Each was reportedly given KSh2,000 and a full tank before heading into town.
“They arrived in droves, filled their tanks, and sped off waving whips,” said a local businessman. “They shouted, ‘Hatukubali maandamano hii town’ (We won’t allow protests in this town).”
Once inside the CBD, however, the gangs clashed with protesters. Some were beaten, others had their motorbikes set ablaze. In one instance, a goon trying to flee was cornered along Koinange Street and interrogated by angry demonstrators demanding to know who had hired him.
Read more: 21 injured, as one shot in protests over Ojwang’s death – KNCHR
Observers reported that the hired gangs worked in tandem with police. Videos showed goons giving orders to anti-riot officers, who promptly obeyed, launching teargas canisters at protestors.
Even journalists were targeted. One commanding officer reportedly told his men to “clear the press,” moments before teargas was fired in their direction.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, when reached for comment, downplayed the incidents. “We are still trying to verify the claims and determine whether action is necessary,” he said.
Nation in shock
By midday, at least five people had been confirmed dead, including the vendor shot near Imenti House. Nairobi’s streets were littered with spent canisters, debris, and broken glass as the city reeled from one of the darkest days in recent memory.
Footage circulating online and eyewitness testimony pointed to what many now call a disturbing alliance between rogue officers and criminal elements, deliberately deployed to quash dissent.
Calls for justice over the death of Albert Ojwang’ have now escalated into broader demands for police reform, accountability, and an end to state-sponsored violence.
As dusk settled over the capital, the nation was left asking: who ordered this bloodshed—and will justice ever be served?
