A number of individuals who were involved in disrupting peaceful demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) have come forward, admitting they were hired and mobilised by powerful figures. These confessions shed light on a well-organised plan to sabotage the protests.
In interviews aired on Citizen TV, some of the goons revealed that they were paid as little as Ksh50 to participate in the chaos. Others complained that despite promises of payment, they never received any money at all.
The group had been tasked with interrupting peaceful demonstrations held on Tuesday, June 17, in memory of Albert Ojwang.
Carrying sticks and crude weapons, the goons caused panic by attacking protesters and vandalising businesses.
Many bystanders and business owners suffered losses as shops were looted in broad daylight. Rumours circulating during the chaos suggested that politicians were behind the scheme, having financed the goons to stir trouble.
Alarming reports also claimed that the goons received indirect protection or support from police officers. Videos that spread widely online showed police personnel seemingly ignoring the actions of the unruly group as they disrupted order in the city.
According to the goons, they had been promised a payment of Ksh2,000 each for the assignment, but only after the operation was complete. Unfortunately, many never received the full amount or anything at all.
Most of the recruited goons came from Nairobi’s informal settlements, such as Kibera and Korogocho. One of the young men who spoke out said that his group had about 83 individuals.
They were gathered and briefed at different strategic points across the city before the protests. These included the junction along Dennis Pritt Road and Greenpark, where they were picked up and ferried into town on boda bodas (motorbikes).
However, their mission did not go as smoothly as planned. In some areas, they were confronted by angry vigilante groups made up of residents and traders who were upset by the violence and destruction.
These vigilante groups defended their communities, leading to clashes that left some of the goons injured. Several suffered serious wounds, including broken limbs and head injuries, which they showed during the interviews.
One of the individuals reportedly behind the operation, known as Swaleh, is said to have fled Nairobi and gone into hiding in the countryside. A video showing him kneeling and apologising circulated widely, sparking further outrage and speculation.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has come under intense pressure, with allegations that he helped fund the group. Many critics accused him of holding private meetings with key figures, including Swaleh and a controversial political activist named Gaucho, to plan the infiltration of the protests.
In response, Governor Sakaja firmly denied the accusations. He presented travel documents and receipts to support his claim that he was not in Nairobi on the day of the incident.
According to Sakaja, he was in Lugari on official duties and could not have attended the alleged meeting. He also dismissed any suggestions that he met with Gaucho, Swaleh, or other leaders to sponsor the chaos, insisting that the rumours were politically motivated and untrue.
Despite his defense, many questions remain unanswered. The confessions from the goons have raised fresh concerns about the use of hired gangs to destabilise peaceful demonstrations and the role of both political leaders and law enforcement in such activities.
As investigations continue, the public is demanding accountability and justice for the victims of the violence.
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