NAIROBI, Kenya —Chaos erupted along Koinange Street in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon as a demonstration calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat was met with confrontation, leading to clashes and the torching of two motorbikes.
Eyewitnesses reported that skirmishes began shortly after midday when a group of activists staging a peaceful demonstration was confronted by unidentified individuals, suspected to be hired goons, who accosted them on boda bodas.
The anti-Lagat protestors, who had been marching towards the Central Police Station at the University Way intersection, were cornered and forced to scatter for safety.
The invading group quickly took control, chasing and assaulting defiant remnants on the road, while police cars and officers were reportedly observed witnessing the attacks.
Tension quickly escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in running battles between the two groups. In the heat of the confrontation, two motorbikes, allegedly belonging to the goons, were set ablaze by unknown individuals, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air as bystanders scrambled for safety.
Police officers eventually arrived at the scene, dispersing the crowds and restoring a semblance of order.
Earlier in the day, police had also lobbed teargas canisters in Nairobi’s CBD to disperse protesters who had gathered at the Nation Centre, where the demonstration originated.
The escalating tension has since paralyzed business activities within the town, with many shops and businesses closing their doors.
Amidst the unrest, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka publicly accused the police of allegedly employing goons to disrupt the peaceful demonstrations.
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“Goons on motorbikes supported by the police attempted to disrupt peaceful demonstrations today by terrorizing innocent children and people expressing their fundamental rights to demonstrate and picket, as provided under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” Kalonzo posted on X.
The ongoing protests stem from persistent demands for Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat’s resignation, following his implication in the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang.
Lagat had officially stepped aside from his role on Monday, June 16, 2025, pending the outcome of investigations.
However, a segment of the Kenyan public insists that his temporary withdrawal is insufficient, advocating for more decisive action.
