Chaos Erupts in Nairobi CBD as Gangs Disrupt Protesters Demanding DIG Lagat’s Resignation

Tensions soared in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday afternoon after gangs allegedly deployed to disrupt peaceful protests clashed with demonstrators calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Kipkoech Lagat.

A dramatic scene unfolded when a motorbike, reportedly belonging to one of the alleged goons, was set ablaze near the Consolidated Bank building along Moi Avenue. Eyewitnesses said angry protesters turned on the suspected disruptors, with several being beaten and forced to flee on foot.

The protest, organized under the #JusticeforAlbertOjwang movement, had drawn scores of peaceful demonstrators who were marching towards the Central Police Station to deliver a petition. However, chaos erupted when a group of unidentified individuals on motorbikes ambushed the procession at the University Way intersection, scattering the crowd and attacking anyone wearing protest symbols.

Despite the heavy police presence, law enforcement officers appeared to stand by as the gang roughed up protesters, heightening public outrage. Earlier, police had fired tear gas near the Nation Centre to break up initial gatherings.

The violence and heightened tension brought business to a standstill in parts of the CBD. Several shops closed abruptly, and public transport operators avoided the affected streets as smoke from burning debris filled the air.

As of now, there is no official statement from the National Police Service regarding the alleged deployment of gangs or the police response to the attacks. Protesters have vowed to continue pushing for accountability over the death of Albert Ojwang and are demanding the immediate resignation of DIG Lagat, whom they accuse of overseeing a repressive crackdown on youth-led movements.