NAIROBI, Kenya – Tensions flared in Nairobi’s central business district on Thursday as suspected hired goons infiltrated protests demanding justice for slain social media influencer Albert Ojwang’, torching vehicles and sparking violent clashes with police.
In a video seen by Y News, individuals believed to be politically hired disruptors were captured setting two vehicles on fire during the otherwise peaceful demonstrations.
Two vehicles were completely consumed by the inferno, reduced to smouldering shells.
Witnesses at the scene told Y News that the arsonists were deployed to discredit the peaceful protesters and justify a forceful police crackdown.
A video has surfaced showing alleged goons setting a G4S vehicle ablaze during the demonstrations in Nairobi CBD.#MaandamanoThursday #YNews #JusticeForAlbertOjwang #ArrestEliudLagat
The protesters, mostly young people, had been marching peacefully toward key government offices demanding accountability for Ojwang’s killing and the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.
Ojwang’ died under suspicious circumstances in police custody last week. A postmortem revealed signs of torture, contradicting initial police claims that he fatally injured himself by hitting a wall.
Security forces responded to the unrest with tear gas and heavy deployment, locking down parts of the CBD as tensions escalated.
Despite the police presence, demonstrators remained defiant, chanting slogans and calling for justice.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since identified three suspects believed to be linked to Ojwang’s death and is seeking their arrest.
Meanwhile, investigations continue amid growing public pressure for high-level resignations and reforms within the police service.
