Kenyan musicians Arrow Bwoy and Khaligraph Jones were caught in violent scenes in Nairobi’s CBD on Tuesday as police cracked down on peaceful Gen Z-led protests.
Arrow Bwoy was reportedly beaten by police officers during the confrontation, while fellow rapper Khaligraph Jones fled after teargas canisters were fired into the crowd.
The two were part of a growing number of celebrities who joined demonstrators marching towards State House to commemorate the deadly anti-government protests of June 2024. What started as a peaceful procession quickly turned chaotic as police moved in.
In a video widely shared on social media, the artists can be seen among the crowd, attempting to reason with officers. Khaligraph later said, “We told them we were peaceful, but they wouldn’t listen.”
Moments later, police fired teargas at close range. Khaligraph was forced to run, while Arrow Bwoy -still surrounded by protesters -was cornered and assaulted by officers, according to eyewitnesses and footage circulating online.
“He was not fighting. He was just standing there,” said one demonstrator who witnessed the incident. “The police just started beating him. It was heartbreaking.”
The scenes have sparked fresh outrage over police conduct during public demonstrations. Online, Kenyans condemned the officers’ actions, especially towards artists who showed up in solidarity with a largely peaceful movement.
“These are role models using their voices for justice. Beating them sends the wrong message,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The protest was part of a youth-led campaign calling for accountability and justice, exactly one year after dozens of Kenyans were killed in similar demonstrations. This year’s protests have drawn wide support from students, civil rights groups, and public figures.
While the government says it is acting in the interest of public safety, rights groups have accused authorities of using excessive force to silence dissent.
Arrow Bwoy has yet to make a formal statement, but clips of the incident have fuelled anger online. Khaligraph later reposted videos from the protest, thanking fans for their support and calling for peace.
“Despite the chaos, we’re still with the people,” he said.
By Wednesday morning, fresh protests were reported in parts of Nairobi and Kisumu, with demonstrators vowing to keep pushing for change. Many are demanding not only political reform but also an end to police brutality.
“This is not just about the Finance Bill,” said a protester. “It’s about how we are treated in our own country. Even celebrities are not safe – so who is?”
