NAIROBI, Kenya – At least one motorcycle was set ablaze and its rider badly injured after clashes broke out between demonstrators and suspected hired goons in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, as protests over the death of Albert Ochieng’ Ojwang’ escalated.
The rider, part of a group of about 30 motorcyclists, was cornered and severely beaten by angry protesters after the convoy attempted to disrupt the ongoing #JusticeForOjwang demonstrations. Witnesses say he was left unconscious as others fled.
The bikers, many of whom carried multiple passengers, reportedly stormed the city centre with the apparent aim of intimidating demonstrators demanding justice for Ojwang’, a teacher who died in police custody on June 7.
Several roads, including Moi Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, and Tom Mboya Street, were taken over by the motorcycle riders, triggering panic as protesters and bystanders scattered.
The youths, mostly clad in heavy jackets and face coverings, were seen hurling threats and attempting to forcefully end the demonstrations.
“They came to disrupt and intimidate, but people fought back,” said one protester. “We’re not backing down.”
The identity and origin of the motorbike convoy remains unclear, but their coordinated movement raised suspicions of political mobilization.
Their presence, however, failed to deter demonstrators, who regrouped in different parts of the CBD to continue pushing for accountability in Ojwang’s death.
Tear Gas and Tension
Police deployed in large numbers fired tear gas canisters at various gathering points, including near Kencom, the National Archives, and along Moi Avenue, in a bid to disperse protesters.
The protests—led largely by Gen Z activists—have gained national momentum, with demonstrators demanding the full resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who stepped aside on Monday, June 16, pending investigations.
“Stepping aside is not resignation. He must go,” read one placard near Archives.
Last week’s demonstrations saw widespread unrest, including looting in parts of downtown Nairobi.
In response, a heavy anti-riot police presence remains in place in hotspots such as Luthuli Avenue, Tom Mboya, and River Road, where traders have been urged to remain vigilant.
