A video has emerged showing Nairobi-based activist Calvin “Gaucho” Okoth allegedly assembling a group of men suspected to be hired goons, just hours before violence broke out during Thursday’s “Justice for Ojwang” protests.
The protests, which began peacefully, later turned chaotic after masked individuals disrupted the march, destroyed newly installed public bins, and set vehicles on fire in the city center.
Ojwang’s Death Sparks Outrage Across Kenya
The protests were held in honor of the late Albert Omondi Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher-turned-blogger from Homa Bay County, who died in police custody under mysterious circumstances.
Ojwang, who had been a vocal critic of police corruption and misconduct on social media, was arrested on June 7 on allegations of defaming a senior police officer.
According to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Ojwang was transferred from Homa Bay to Nairobi Central Police Station. On June 8, police claimed he took his own life inside the cell.
However, an autopsy revealed injuries consistent with assault, including head trauma and neck compression, leading many to believe he was tortured to death.
Protests Escalate as Goons Disrupt Peaceful Demonstration
Hundreds of Kenyans gathered on Thursday in Nairobi’s Central Business District to demand justice. Protesters, holding placards with messages such as #JusticeForOjwang and “No Justice, No Budget”, marched peacefully from Kencom to Parliament Road.
The situation turned violent when a group of unidentified men—believed to have been mobilized earlier by Gaucho—stormed the protest.
Eyewitnesses reported that these individuals overturned the newly installed green dustbins placed by Nairobi County, some of which were used as barricades, while others were set on fire.
Within minutes, several cars parked near Aga Khan Walk and Moi Avenue were also torched, sending thick smoke into the air. Videos shared on social media captured the disturbing scenes of vandalism, with demonstrators fleeing as the situation escalated.
Viral Video Shows Gaucho Allegedly Organizing Disruption
A now-viral video shows Calvin Gaucho speaking aggressively to a group of men near Gikomba earlier in the day. In the clip, Gaucho appears to instruct the men to disrupt the protests, though his exact words remain unclear due to poor audio.
Many online users believe this was a deliberate plan to undermine the peaceful movement seeking accountability for Ojwang’s death.
Activists and political observers have condemned the violence, accusing unnamed political actors of using hired goons to provoke clashes and discredit the cause.
Public Property Destroyed as Leaders React
Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, condemned the destruction of the new dustbins, calling it “unfortunate and irresponsible.” He emphasized that while peaceful demonstrations are protected by law, damaging public property hurts the very citizens the protesters aim to represent.
“The people of Nairobi deserve clean, safe streets—not fear and destruction,” Mosiria said.
City officials confirmed that more than 30 public bins were vandalized or burnt and at least three vehicles were damaged during the chaos.
Authorities Promise Justice as Investigations Continue
Following massive public pressure, the government has moved to address the situation. President William Ruto, speaking from State House, described Ojwang’s death as “a painful and unacceptable tragedy” and assured the public that investigations would be transparent and thorough.
Already, one police officer has been arrested in connection with the incident, and more are under investigation by both IPOA and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
Activists have vowed to continue pushing for justice and police reforms, accusing authorities of using excessive force and targeting critics.
What’s Next?
As the country waits for conclusive findings from the ongoing investigations, civil society groups are calling for calm and unity.
Meanwhile, organizers of the “Justice for Ojwang” movement have hinted at another round of peaceful protests next week, this time urging participants to record any suspicious activity to deter infiltration by violent disruptors.
The protests have now become a broader call for an end to police brutality and impunity in Kenya—a message that many say must not be silenced by chaos or fear.
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Reporting by News Hub Kenya | info@newshub.co.ke
