Blood on the streets: Protesters shot, beaten as police and goons unleash brutality in Kenya

A hired goon injured during clashes with protesters on Moi Avenue, June 17, 2025, is assisted away. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, June 17, 2025

KNCHR largely blamed the violence on police brutality and assaults by hired goons working in coordination with law enforcement.

More than 20 protesters sustained injuries—including gunshot wounds and asthma attacks—during Tuesday’s nationwide demonstrations.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), four of the 22 recorded injuries were gunshot wounds, including one man who was shot at close range in Nairobi’s Central Business District and was reported to be in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital as of 7:00 pm.

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KNCHR attributed the violence largely to police brutality and attacks by hired goons operating alongside law enforcement.

In a statement, KNCHR said it had documented 22 casualties from the protests held in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.

Injuries ranged from gunshot wounds, head cuts, whip lashes, blunt trauma, to asthma attacks triggered by exposure to tear gas.

Masked goons

The human rights body termed the situation in Nairobi’s streets as lawless, with police officers seen cooperating with masked goons who attacked demonstrators and bystanders using tyre whips, wooden clubs and crude weapons.

Protesters had taken to the streets to demand justice for slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, and to push for the arrest of Deputy Inspector General of Police, Eliud Lagat.

Tensions escalated around 11 am, when demonstrators marching towards Central Police Station were intercepted near Jevanjee Gardens by dishevelled youths armed with batons.

Protesters burn a motorcycle belonging to one of the hired goons during protests in Nairobi CBD on June 17, 2025. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

Stones, tear gas

Soon after, the same group was seen urging police officers to back them up as they threw stones at protesters. Police responded with tear gas, further fuelling chaos.

The situation quickly deteriorated, with reports of muggings in backstreets, some carried out by motorbike-riding thugs, many of whom were heard chanting pro-government slogans, including: “Heshimu President, achana na Ruto” (respect the president, leave Ruto alone).

Business owners expressed outrage at the collaboration between police and violent gangs.

Despite the provocations, KNCHR commended the majority of demonstrators for remaining peaceful and criticised the deployment of criminal gangs by what it believes are state-linked actors.

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Haki Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid alleged that politicians had hired the goons to instigate violence in the CBD.

Man shot

One of the most harrowing moments occurred outside the Imenti business complex on Moi Avenue, where two police officers confronted a young man and shot him shortly afterwards — an incident caught on video.

By 3:00 pm, peaceful demonstrators had vacated the streets as gangs took control.

In another video, the thugs were seen walking past City Hall, chanting triumphantly towards Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja: “Sakaja, tumelinda jiji…” (Sakaja, we have protected the city).

A protester unmasks a policeman who was hiding his face during recent protests in Nairobi. (Photo: X/The People’s Watchman)

Masked officers

KNCHR strongly criticised the conduct of police officers, noting that many had hidden their vehicle registration numbers and faces with hoods and masks—in violation of a High Court order requiring uniformed and identifiable officers during protests.

“This is unacceptable conduct by the police who are required to discharge their duties professionally and provide security for all persons in Kenya without favour or bias,” KNCHR Vice Chairperson Raymond Nyeris said.

He warned that such actions could lead the country into anarchy and called the police actions a return to the dark past.

Many businesses in the capital shut down due to looting and vandalism by the marauding gangs.

“When those charged with maintaining law and order break the law with such impunity, they encourage citizens to disobey the law,” Nyeris added.

The KNCHR also condemned the arrest of peaceful demonstrators, including four human rights defenders in Mombasa, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

The commission said the protesters had adhered to legal procedures by notifying the police in advance.

KNCHR said it would keep monitoring the protests and urged the public to report any human rights violations through its toll-free number 0800 720627 or via SMS to 22359.

Despite the chaos, protestors have vowed to continue pressing for accountability.