Nairobi Traders Under Fire for Allegedly Hiring Goons During June 25 Protests
Tension continues to rise in the wake of the June 25 protests in Nairobi, as Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga dropped a bombshell during a live Citizen TV interview on Thursday morning.
Nyaga boldly claimed that some Nairobi businessmen hired armed goons to disrupt the otherwise peaceful protests held in memory of the late teacher Albert Ojwang.
“Those who labelled themselves as businessmen projected violence and hired people to protect their businesses. They hired young men who were armed with clubs to protect their wealth,” Nyaga stated firmly.
According to him, the group stormed the Nairobi CBD on motorcycles, creating chaos under the guise of protecting shops from looting.
Despite the traders’ fears, Nyaga insisted that such action was unlawful.
“That action is illegal because the mandate to protect Kenyans and their property is with the police service,” he said.
And clearly, the police aren’t taking this lightly. He revealed that investigations are ongoing and officers are reviewing footage to identify the culprits.
“There is footage that is still under forensic review, and they are being checked. Once the DCI officers complete the investigations, we will arrest the goons and take them to court,” Nyaga assured.
This statement comes barely two weeks after videos circulated online showing men on motorbikes wielding whips and clubs attacking demonstrators. They reportedly chanted pro-government slogans as they unleashed violence in broad daylight.
While the public voiced outrage, many suspected collusion between police and the goons. However, the National Police Service (NPS) quickly distanced itself.
“NPS has noted a group of goons armed with crude weapons in today’s protests within the CBD. The Service takes great exception and does not condone such unlawful groupings,” said Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.
“Such individuals will be handled firmly, according to the law. Consequently, investigations have commenced to identify and deal with the criminals accordingly,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nyaga issued a stern warning to all Nairobi traders.
“A warning has already been issued to businesspeople across Nairobi against any further hiring of goons during protests.”
This incident has ignited fierce debates among Kenyans, with many demanding justice for both protesters and victims of the attack. As emotions flare, all eyes are now on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to deliver swift and transparent results.
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Nairobi Traders Under Fire for Allegedly Hiring Goons During June 25 Protests
