Kenya protesters clash with men wielding clubs
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Protesters in Nairobi confront club-wielding men during a march demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’s death in custody.
Kenya Protests Turn Violent Amid Demands for Justice Over Blogger’s Death
Nairobi, Kenya – Protests in central Nairobi turned violent on Tuesday as demonstrators clashed with baton-wielding men believed to be loyal to the government. The unrest comes in response to the death in police custody of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, and just days before the anniversary of last year’s storming of parliament.
Ojwang, 31, was arrested following a defamation complaint filed by Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat, and died 10 days ago while in custody. Police initially claimed his injuries were self-inflicted, but later retracted the statement after an autopsy suggested he died from an assault. Two police officers have been arrested in connection with his death.
Protesters Demand Accountability
Activists are calling for Deputy Chief Lagat’s immediate resignation, accusing him of instigating the arrest that led to Ojwang’s death. Though Lagat has temporarily stepped aside, demonstrators argue that is not enough.
“We shall not be intimidated. We shall remain unbowed,” said one protester.
“We want Lagat to resign. He must answer questions. He’s still being paid with our taxes,” another told the BBC.
Violence and Allegations of Collusion
Tensions escalated in Nairobi’s central business district as young men on motorcycles, wielding clubs and whips, attacked peaceful demonstrators. Video footage circulating online appears to show these men—referred to locally as “goons”—cooperating with police, who also fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Despite growing criticism, police deny any affiliation with the armed groups. In a statement, the force said:
“We have noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons in today’s protests. The service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings.”
However, news agencies report disturbing scenes: Reuters staff reportedly saw the body of a man with a head wound lying in the street, while AFP, citing a hospital source, confirmed the man was in critical condition but still alive.
Police later confirmed the shooting of an unarmed civilian by a riot officer. That officer has since been arrested.
Capital on Edge
Security officers were deployed at key intersections and near government buildings to prevent access by demonstrators. Most businesses in the capital remained closed, and foot traffic was visibly low in normally busy areas.
Tuesday’s protest follows last year’s wave of youth-led demonstrations, which forced the government to abandon controversial tax measures after protesters breached parliament on 25 June. Though no similar finance bill has been proposed this year, activists say they are building momentum toward a “total shutdown” next Wednesday to mark the anniversary.
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