POLICE OR PARTNERS? SHOCKING REPORTS OF 'GOONS' OPERATING UNDER POLICE PROTECTION IN KENYAN PROTESTS

Nairobi's streets, already fraught with tension from ongoing "Justice for Albert Ojwang" protests, witnessed a new and alarming dynamic on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. While police engaged in their usual methods of dispersing crowds with tear gas and force, numerous accounts and visual evidence pointed to the presence of organized groups of individuals, widely described as "goons" or hired thugs, who were actively assaulting peaceful protesters.

Eyewitnesses and various media outlets reported these "goons," often masked and riding on motorbikes, brandishing crude weapons like whips and clubs, launching attacks on demonstrators. What has sparked widespread outrage and deep concern is the consistent claim that these aggressors appeared to operate with impunity, frequently in close proximity to police lines, and in some instances, allegedly with the direct observation or even protection of uniformed officers who seemingly failed to intervene.

"They cornered us and beat us with whips, and the police were just watching them do it," recounted Hanifa Adan, a prominent activist, describing a harrowing encounter where she was assaulted and robbed of her phone by one of these individuals. Other protesters echoed similar sentiments, with some claiming these groups were "sent by the government to disrupt the peaceful protests" and were "collaborating with the police to unleash violence."

Videos circulating online corroborate these assertions, showing instances where police officers appeared reluctant to intervene as armed individuals infiltrated the protests and engaged in violent acts. This perceived collaboration between law enforcement and unidentified thugs raises serious questions about the impartiality of the police response and fuels accusations of state-sponsored efforts to suppress dissent.

The presence of these "goons" not only added to the chaos and heightened the risk for peaceful demonstrators but also diverted attention from the core demands for justice in Albert Ojwang's death and accountability for police brutality. Critics argue that this tactic is designed to delegitimize the protests by associating them with violence and disorder, thereby shifting public opinion and justifying further harsh crackdowns.

This development adds another layer of complexity and concern to an already volatile situation, further eroding public trust in institutions meant to protect citizens. As investigations into Albert Ojwang's death continue, and as protests show no signs of abating, the alleged role of "goons" operating with police complicity demands urgent and transparent investigation to ensure that those responsible for violence, whether in uniform or plain clothes, are held accountable.