- Attackers admit they were paid to break up peaceful protests in Nairobi.
- The demos were calling for justice for Albert Ojwang’ and the resignation of DIG Eliud Lagat.
- Eyewitnesses captured police allegedly standing by as chaos unfolded.
- Citizen TV tracked some of the attackers—many say they were used and never paid.
- Videos now show the same group making new threats, raising fear ahead of fresh demos.
- Civil groups want independent investigations, citing police silence and rising impunity.
A group of men who violently stormed peaceful protests in Nairobi earlier this week have now admitted they were recruited, briefed, and sent out to create disorder. Their confessions have exposed what many are calling a well-planned, politically backed operation meant to sabotage freedom of assembly.
The protest on Tuesday had been organised to seek justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died in police custody. What began as a peaceful march quickly turned dark when a gang of armed youths with jambes and crude weapons disrupted the crowd, leaving several injured.
Viral clips showed the goons moving freely near City Hall, without interference—some even seen walking casually next to police. This sparked widespread backlash, with Kenyans demanding answers.
The National Police Service and Governor Sakaja quickly dismissed any involvement. But a Citizen TV exposé dug deeper, finding several of the attackers hiding in Kibera, Korogocho, and Dagoretti, some of them badly hurt and angry.
“We were told we’d get paid. But we ended up with injuries and empty promises,” one of them told reporters.
The attackers claim they were gathered at pre-arranged locations like Green Park and Dennis Pritt junction. There, they were allegedly briefed, handed weapons, and dispatched into town. After the job, many say they were either shortchanged or not paid at all.
Some have since gone into hiding upcountry, fearing they may be silenced. Others have gone online begging for forgiveness, even revealing more names and planning spots.
A video that circulated shortly after the chaos shows the same group walking in formation outside City Hall before launching attacks. But despite this and other clear evidence, no one has been arrested, and no charges have been filed against those suspected of organising or financing the goons.
Worse still, new videos have emerged showing alleged members of the same group issuing threats ahead of more protests. That has only deepened public fear, with critics warning of an attempt to turn protests into battlegrounds.
Civil Groups Demand Answers As Democracy Feels Under Siege
Several rights groups have spoken out, accusing police of collusion or negligence and demanding a neutral, independent investigation into the matter. They’re also calling for police officers seen near the gangs to be summoned and questioned.
With more protests expected, many are now questioning whether the right to demonstrate is still safe in Kenya, or whether money and political power will keep weaponising thuggery to suppress voices of dissent.
