Man shot as goons infiltrate Nairobi protest seeking Lagat’s resignation
Among those caught up in the melee was journalist and activist Hanifa Adan who was assaulted and nearly lost her phone before goodwill Samaritans came to he rescue
A man has been shot by police outside Imenti House on Mboya Street in Nairobi as a peaceful protest seeking justice for the late social media blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang degenerated into chaos after they were infiltrated by hired goons.
The demonstration, which kicked off at around 10 am, had attracted dozens of activists before the goons who arrived on motorbikes while armed with crude weapons arrived. They not only disrupted the protests but also assaulted and robbed innocent civilians of mobile phones, cash and other personal belongings as police watched without intervening.
As the attacks continued, he protestors turned against the goons burning at least two motor bikes.
Among those caught up in the melee was journalist and activist Hanifa Adan who was assaulted and nearly lost her phone before Goodwill Samaritans came to he rescue.
“One of the goons beat me up, took my phone, and I grabbed his jacket in an attempt to get it back as he continued assaulting me. Other people came to help, I recovered my phone, and he was beaten up in return!” Hanifa posted on her X handle.
“Goons have infiltrated town and are stealing from people. They’re on bodas, masked, and carry weapons. The police — the real criminals — are enabling them,” added Hanifa.
There were claims on social media that the goons were sponsored by State operatives.
Some of those against the protest addressed the media outside City Hall where they accused the organisers of disrupting business in the capital.
Ojwang was killed at Central Police Station in Nairobi last weekend after he was arrested in Homa Bay for allegedly tarnishing the name of Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat after he posted a circulating fake front page of the Standard newspaper linking him to corruption.
Despite Lagat stepping aside on Monday, pressure has continued to mount for his resignation amid calls that he be charged with murder after being implicated by Police Constable James Mukhwana.
“Stepping aside is not justice. It’s not accountability. Eliud Lagat must be arrested and charged with murder,” Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid said.
