At least 22 civilians were reported injured during coordinated protests across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale on Tuesday, June 17. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that the majority of victims suffered gunshot wounds, head injuries, whip lashes, and blunt trauma, while others experienced severe asthma attacks due to tear gas inhalation. 

What was intended to be a peaceful show of resistance quickly spiraled into violent confrontations. In several locations, the presence of armed goons on motorcycles disrupted processions, turning calm marches into volatile clashes.

Mounting Outrage Over Police Brutality

The root of the unrest remains the unresolved death of Albert Ojwang—a teacher and blogger—who allegedly died from torture in police custody. His killing has ignited a broader outrage over longstanding abuses by the police. Protesters, many of them youth and activists, took to the streets demanding accountability from senior police officials, particularly Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. 

The streets of downtown Nairobi, especially Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue, turned into battle zones as riot police fired canisters and rubber bullets at the swelling crowds.

Masked Goons and Unlawful Detentions

KNCHR raised alarms over disturbing trends, including the appearance of masked individuals infiltrating protests to provoke violence. The commission accused the state of hiring these goons to justify a heavy police response.

 Furthermore, officers were seen covering their identification numbers and license plates, in direct violation of a High Court order mandating clear visibility of all officers deployed to demonstrations. These covert operations have heightened fears among the public, with many questioning the government’s commitment to lawful enforcement.

Targeting of Human Rights Defenders

In Mombasa, four human rights activists were arrested during what KNCHR described as a peaceful and duly authorized protest. Their arrest has sparked condemnation from civil society groups, who see the move as a crackdown on dissent and an attempt to silence critical voices. 

According to the KNCHR, such actions undermine the public’s constitutional right to assemble and protest peacefully. Calls are growing louder for their immediate and unconditional release, and for authorities to stop criminalizing civic engagement.

A Country at a Crossroads

The recent wave of brutality marks a turning point for Kenya. As images of bleeding protesters and burning motorcycles circulate on social media, the public mood has darkened significantly. Trust in the police is deteriorating rapidly, and questions are being raised about whether government officials are complicit in fueling this chaos. 

The growing calls for the resignation of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat symbolize a deeper demand for structural reform in Kenya’s security apparatus. As the protests spread and gain momentum, the nation faces a defining test of its democratic principles and its willingness to confront state-sanctioned violence.