NAIROBI — What began as a peaceful march in Nairobi’s city centre quickly turned violent on Tuesday when a gang riding motorbikes attacked protesters demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat.
Dozens of demonstrators were marching along University Way, headed towards Central Police Station, when the chaos erupted. Witnesses say the attackers arrived in a convoy of boda bodas, swarming the group without warning.
Videos circulating on social media show protesters scattering as motorbikes zoom past, with one clip showing a motorcycle set ablaze near the Globe Roundabout. The source of the fire remains unclear, but no serious injuries were immediately reported.
Police did not intervene during the attack, raising questions about whether officers had prior knowledge or were simply overwhelmed. Attempts to reach Nairobi police for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The protest was part of growing public pressure on DIG Lagat, who faces criticism over recent police crackdowns on demonstrators and alleged mishandling of internal investigations.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has condemned the attack, calling for an independent investigation.
It remains unclear who was behind the gang assault. Some activists suggest political motives, but there is no concrete evidence linking the attackers to any specific group or state actors.
