Police Boss Reveals Businessmen Hired Goons During Protests in Nairobi
Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga has pointed fingers at a group of Nairobi businessmen, accusing them of hiring goons to interfere with peaceful demonstrations that took place on June 17.
The protests were held in honour of the late teacher Albert Ojwang, but according to Nyaga, the situation was disrupted by young men allegedly recruited by traders to guard their shops from possible looting.
Speaking during a live interview on Citizen TV on Thursday morning, Nyaga strongly criticized the act of hiring goons, describing it as illegal and a violation of the Constitution. He emphasized that protecting people and property during protests is the sole responsibility of the National Police Service (NPS), not private citizens.
“Some individuals who claimed to be businessmen ended up hiring young men, arming them with clubs, and deploying them on motorcycles to defend their shops and properties. This is not only dangerous but against the law,” said Nyaga.
He stressed that the use of such tactics is unacceptable and warned that the police would not allow a repeat of the incident. Investigations have already been launched to identify everyone involved in the chaos, including those who funded or facilitated the hiring of the goons.
Nyaga further disclosed that forensic analysis of video footage taken during the protests is currently ongoing. He said that once the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) completes its review, those found guilty will be arrested and prosecuted in court.
“We are in the process of reviewing all available footage. Once the DCI finalizes its investigations, we will take action against the individuals involved. They will face the full force of the law,” he assured.
The police spokesperson also mentioned that clear warnings had already been issued to all business owners in Nairobi. He cautioned them against hiring private militias during protests, regardless of their intentions, noting that such actions undermine law and order.
This statement comes two weeks after videos surfaced online showing armed men riding motorcycles and attacking peaceful protesters in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The assailants were seen carrying clubs and whips while chanting slogans in support of the government.
Following the incident, there was public outrage and speculation that the police might have worked with the goons to suppress the protests. However, the National Police Service swiftly issued a statement refuting these claims.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja clarified that the police did not in any way support or collaborate with the group of armed men seen during the protests. “The National Police Service has taken note of a group of armed goons involved in today’s demonstrations.
We want to make it clear that the Service does not support or tolerate such illegal groups,” said Kanja.
He further promised firm legal action against the individuals responsible, stressing that investigations had already begun and that anyone found guilty would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Those who chose to take the law into their own hands will be identified and punished. The law is clear, and no one is above it,” Kanja added.
Both Nyaga and Kanja reiterated the police’s commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting the rights of citizens to hold peaceful protests.
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