Rungu-wielding men storm CBD, beat up protesters in chaotic clashes

The youths, some of whom wore heavy clothing and face masks to conceal their identities, clashed with demonstrators demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, the teacher and social media influencer who died in police custody on June 7.

The armed group arrived in the CBD shortly after midday and began chasing away protesters who had gathered earlier in the morning.

In a live video, the rungu-wielding men were seen beating protesters and forcing them to retreat from the CBD.

“We don’t want this nonsense,” one of the attackers shouted at the camera as he and others descended on the protesters.

As the alleged goons engaged protesters on one side, police were also lobbing teargas to disperse the demonstrators who flocked to the CBD.

This escalation came shortly after another incident mid-morning, when protesters clashed with a group of motorcycle riders believed to be attempting to disrupt the demonstrations.

Unconfirmed reports indicated that one of the alleged goons was cornered and killed, and at least two motorcycles were torched.

Protesters had earlier intercepted a group of about 30 motorcyclists allegedly trying to intimidate and attack demonstrators. One of the riders was severely beaten and left for dead.

The boda boda riders moved through the city in large numbers, some carrying up to four pillion passengers, and appeared to be deliberately attempting to intimidate the demonstrators.

They took over key roads, including Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, and Tom Mboya Street in what appeared to be an effort to disrupt the Gen Z-led protests.

It remains unclear who mobilised the group, but their actions seemed designed to counter the growing demonstrations across the capital.

Many of the suspected goons wore heavy clothing and face coverings, making identification difficult as they caused panic and forced members of the public to flee for safety.

Despite their presence, protesters maintained momentum, continuing to gather across the CBD while demanding justice for Ojwang.

Police responded by lobbing teargas at demonstrators in several locations as the Gen Z protestors called for accountability in Ojwang’s death.

The protesters have also continued to call for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.

Although Lagat stepped aside on Monday, June 16, pending investigations, many Kenyans insist that his temporary withdrawal is insufficient and are demanding his full resignation.

On Moi Avenue, police were seen dispersing crowds near the National Archives and Kencom areas. A heavy police presence has been deployed throughout the CBD following last week’s demonstrations, during which several businesses were looted by opportunistic criminals.

In the busy areas of Tom Mboya Street, Luthuli Avenue, and River Road, anti-riot police remain on high alert as residents and traders stay vigilant to avoid a repeat of last week’s chaos.