NAIROBI, Kenya – Dozens of armed men believed to be hired goons descended on Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, attacking protesters demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, the teacher and influencer who died in police custody earlier this month.
Wielding rungus and concealed behind face coverings and heavy clothing, the group stormed the city centre shortly after midday, targeting peaceful demonstrators in what witnesses described as a coordinated effort to disrupt the Gen Z-led protests.
In a video trending online, the men are seen violently beating protesters and chasing them away from parts of the CBD, even as police officers looked on or lobbed teargas at the demonstrators.
Goons chanting ‘Ruto tano tena’ patrol Nairobi streets
Earlier in the day, a group of over 30 boda boda riders swept through key roads including Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, and Tom Mboya Street, reportedly in an attempt to intimidate protestors.
Some bikes carried up to four passengers, and many riders wore balaclavas and hoodies.
Tensions boiled over near Moi Avenue when protesters confronted the group.
One motorcyclist was severely beaten and left unconscious, while at least two motorcycles were set ablaze in retaliation.
Despite the disruptions, demonstrators regrouped in pockets across the CBD, holding placards and chanting slogans calling for justice for Ojwang’ and the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who stepped aside this week amid public pressure.
Eyewitnesses and activists slammed the National Police Service for allowing the violence to unfold without intervening.
Some protestors claimed the attackers were being protected—or even deployed—by state actors.
While the police had earlier issued warnings against “unauthorised gatherings,” Tuesday’s events raise new concerns about the force’s failure to protect peaceful demonstrators—and the apparent use of non-uniformed actors to quell dissent.
DOZENS of goons on motorbikes attack protesters during Nairobi demos; several, including journalists robbed, phones and valuables snatched as police watch. #JusticeForAlbertOjwang
Ojwang’, 31, was found dead in police custody on June 7, sparking national outrage and a wave of protests largely led by Gen Z activists.
His family and supporters allege he was tortured to death, despite police claims that he died after collapsing in a cell.
With mounting pressure and protests spreading to other counties, authorities are now under scrutiny over their handling of the case—and the growing use of extrajudicial tactics to silence dissent.
