Chaos erupted in Nairobi’s Central Business District on Monday after a gang riding on boda bodas violently disrupted a peaceful protest demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat.
The protestors, who had gathered at the Nation Centre earlier in the day, were marching peacefully toward the Central Police Station via University Way when a group of men on motorbikes accosted them near the intersection. The assailants, some wielding crude weapons, cornered the demonstrators and launched attacks, forcing many to flee for their safety.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic as protesters scattered in all directions, abandoning placards and belongings, while those unable to escape quickly were roughed up by the gang. The attackers took control of the area for several minutes, reportedly “ruling the road” as they chased off remaining protestors and flogged those who stayed behind.
Eyewitnesses also noted that police officers and patrol cars were present at the scene but appeared to take a passive stance, watching as the gang assaulted the demonstrators without intervening. Earlier, police had lobbed teargas canisters at the protestors near Nation Centre, further escalating the tension.
The protest, which had begun as a peaceful call for accountability from DIG Lagat, quickly spiraled into chaos, raising concerns over public safety and the right to peaceful assembly.
Business activities in the CBD were severely disrupted by the incident. Shops were forced to shut down amid the commotion, and several streets were temporarily deserted as both customers and workers fled the area.
Organizers of the protest condemned the violence and accused authorities of either complicity or negligence in failing to protect demonstrators. Civil society groups have since called for an investigation into the attacks and urged the government to guarantee the constitutional rights of all citizens.
As of Monday evening, calm had yet to be restored in parts of the city centre, with a heavy police presence remaining on key roads. There was no official response from DIG Lagat or the National Police Service by press time.
Written By Rodney Mbua
