US EditionViolence Erupts in Kenya as 'Goons' Attack Protesters over Death in Police Custody
- On June 17, 2025, in Nairobi, hundreds of men known locally as 'goons' wielding whips and wooden clubs assaulted protesters who were demonstrating against the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
- The protests followed Ojwang's death on June 8, which authorities initially said was self-inflicted, but an autopsy revealed injuries caused by an external force.
- Civil rights activist Ndungi Githuku criticized the deployment of paid thugs to violently suppress protesters, while an armed man claimed his role in protecting shops was arranged through Nairobi's county government.
- Deputy Inspector General Lagat announced on June 16 that he would temporarily step down while investigations proceed, and several arrests have been made, including law enforcement personnel and a private individual connected to Ojwang's death.
- The attacks intensified calls against police brutality and political violence, with rights groups saying the unrest recalls previous deadly protests that killed at least 60 people in 2024.
17 Articles
17 Articles
The second day of protests against police brutality in a week was distinguished by the presence of many violent elements visibly charged with dispersing the crowd.
Kenya: Violence Erupts in Kenya As 'Goons' Attack Protesters Over Death in Police Custody
Hundreds of men armed with whips and clubs, known locally as 'goons', attacked groups of protesters in Kenya on Tuesday. The demonstrations were sparked by the recent death of a man while in police custody. According to reports, one person was killed during Tuesday's unrest, and a Kenyan police officer has since been arrested in connection with the shooting.
Day in Photos: Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia, Protests in Kenya, and Royal Races
[epoch_component type=”photo_gallery” position=”left” section_title=”Men armed with sticks and clubs chase a protester during clashes sparked by the death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, in downtown Nairobi, on June 17, 2025. At least nine people were wounded as security services and hundreds of men armed with whips and clubs clashed with protesters in Kenya on June 17. (Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images)” width=”1000″ …
Violence erupts in Kenya as 'goons' attack protesters over death in police custody
Hundreds of men armed with whips and clubs, known locally as 'goons', attacked groups of protesters in Kenya on Tuesday. The demonstrations were sparked by the recent death of a man while in police custody.…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
