26/06/2025
When Peaceful Became Chaotic: Examining the Failures of Yesterday’s Demonstrations
Yesterday’s protests, originally staged as a peaceful show of solidarity and democratic expression, spiraled into chaos—marked by looting, vandalism, and outright violence. The outcome contradicted the very purpose of the demonstrations, leaving many questioning who benefits when protest turns to plunder.
🔍 Timeline of Events
Death of Albert Ojwang reignites outrage
The spark for this latest wave of demonstrations was the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. An independent autopsy found signs of assault—including head injuries and neck compression—contradicting official claims of a su***de .
Protests begin, escalate into violence
What started peacefully soon lost its course. Protesters, joined by journalists and activists, marched with placards—practicing their constitutional right. But as police fired tear gas, an undercurrent of disorder emerged .
Goons infiltrate, property destroyed
Credible reports suggest hired “goons” infiltrated crowds, loitering among genuine protesters and triggering looting and arson. In Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and elsewhere, businesses were targeted. Incidents include supermarkets, pharmacies, vehicle burnings, and vandalized offices—actions not aligned with the protest message .
Police sidelines criminality
Videos and eyewitness testimony show selective enforcement—peaceful protesters were shot with tear gas and rubber bullets, while goons vandalized with relative impunity. In some areas, property was looted under police watch, not bystanders .
Arrests of suspects
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested over 270 people suspected of looting. Authorities claim many were criminals masquerading as protesters, further muddying the narrative .
🧠 Voices from the Streets
Civil society urges accountability
The Kenya Human Rights Commission demanded police crack down on hired goons and enforce peaceful protest laws under Article 37 of the constitution .
Activists rethink tactics
Gen Z organizers, shaken by the day's events, are pausing street demonstrations and pivoting to digital activism, fearing further violence will overshadow their mission .
Political condemnation
Figures like Raila Odinga, Gideon Moi, and Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti condemned the hijacking of protests and urged identification and prosecution of criminal elements within the crowds .
🛡️ Why It Undermines the Cause
1. Delegitimizes the message – Violent acts and vandalism overshadow demands for justice, turning public perception against peaceful protesters.
2. Gives government justification – Security forces can now argue that forceful dispersal is necessary to protect property, not just restore order.
3. Breeds public mistrust – Civilians, especially small business owners, now fear protesters and are less likely to support the movement.
4. Facilitates state repression – The incident provides legal and political cover for harsher crackdowns on future demonstrations.
✅ Pathways Forward
Vet and train marshals – Protesters must organize stewards to identify true demonstrators vs disruptive elements on the ground.
Demand accountability from police – Authorities must investigate both excessive force against peaceful marchers and passive complicity in looting.
Alternate tactics – With street actions under threat, activists are pivoting to online campaigns, petitions, and targeted lobbying to maintain momentum without risking citywide chaos.
In summary, yesterday showed how quickly a peaceful protest can be hijacked—by both criminal opportunists and a state ready to exploit disorder. Without proactive policing reform and vigilant protest planning, the noble pursuit of justice risks being drowned out by the cymbal of destruction.
