Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

Chaos engulfed Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, June 17, as angry youths took to the streets to protest the brutal murder of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang at the Central Police Station.

The protesters, demanding swift justice, also called for the immediate resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat, who has been implicated in Ojwang’s death.

Although Lagat has since stepped aside to allow independent investigations, public anger remains high.

He is accused of directing officers to arrest Ojwang in Homa Bay after the blogger allegedly posted a tweet linking him to corruption and abuse of office.

Tensions escalated when a police officer arrested in connection with the assault confessed to his role in the attack and claimed that Lagat, alongside Central Police OCS Samson Talaam, had ordered the torture of Ojwang.

However, the peaceful protests were soon infiltrated by suspected hired goons, who claimed they had been contracted by a senior government official to maintain order in the city.

Armed with batons, the gangs turned on the very protesters they were allegedly meant to control, assaulting, robbing, and even looting nearby shops.

Social media clips and witnesses reported seeing some of the attackers being escorted by uniformed police officers as they targeted peaceful demonstrators.

One particularly shocking incident occurred along Koinange Street, where a man, seemingly on his way from the office and holding a book document, was attacked by a group of five goons.

They mercilessly beat him, tore his clothes, and robbed him before fleeing on waiting motorbikes.

The attack, captured on video, has since sparked widespread outrage on social media, coming at a time when Kenyans are demanding accountability from the police force.

Wambui Wambui

"All their clubs look the same. An indication of men on assignment."

Tito Ndiritu

"Since morning the goons were standing at the city stadium roundabout. I think they were waiting for instructions from whoever is sponsoring them."

Immaculate Adhiambo

"Are these not the same people who will sit behind their keyboards and start typing we want justice? Am pained."

Sammie Sam

"These goons have the police protection, it means a high ranking figure has ordered the police to protect them, Jana murkomin alisema hakutakuwa na maandamano tena, these goons were on Koinange street chanting 'Hakuna maandamano'! Your guess is as good as mine."

Mwaura Sabina

"Aki wooi! surely why rob an innocent man? Sasa his trouser is torn. How does he get home?"

Barbara Atieno

"Who is going to save Kenya?"

In another horrifying episode on a nearby street, a street vendor selling face masks was shot at close range by uniformed police officers during the chaotic demonstrations.

The victim collapsed on the spot, bleeding profusely. Fellow protesters rushed him to Kenyatta National Hospital, where doctors confirmed he was in critical condition.

Upon examination, they disclosed that he is suffering from gunshot wounds, head injuries, blunt force trauma, whiplash, and asthma attacks triggered by tear gas inhalation.

Source: TUKO.co.ke