Violence erupts in Kenya as 'goons' attack protesters over death in police custody
Hundreds of men armed with whips and clubs, known locally as 'goons', attacked groups of protesters in Kenya on Tuesday. The demonstrations were sparked by the recent death of a man while in police custody. According to reports, one person was killed during Tuesday's unrest, and a Kenyan police officer has since been arrested in connection with the shooting.
One person was killed in the Kenyan capital on Tuesday during protests, according to a witness,cited in Reuters news agency, who reported seeing the body of a man lying on the ground with a bleeding head wound. The cause of the fatal injury was not immediately clear.
Kenyan police were seen firing tear gas at protesters.
A police spokesperson later confirmed that a Kenyan police officer had been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of an unarmed civilian during the unrest.
In central Nairobi — the epicentre of last year's demonstrations — small groups of protesters gathered peacefully, calling for an end to police brutality and demanding the resignation of a senior officer they hold responsible for the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang earlier this month.
Shortly after, a group of men on motorbikes — known locally as "goons" — arrived at the scene, armed with whips and clubs, according to AFP journalists.
Tensions have been escalating across the country as the first anniversary of last year's so-called 'Gen Z' protests approaches.
The government has been keen to prevent a repeat of last year's unrest. However, Kenyans returned to the streets this week following the death of 31-year-old Ojwang, who died in police custody on 8 June 2025.
A helicopter was also seen hovering over the central business district.
Read more on RFI EnglishRead also:Kenya protests reignited by custody death, but 'Gen Z' movement remains dividedSilencing dissent in Tanzania, reckoning with genocide in NamibiaKenya protests erupt after activist Albert Ojwang dies in police custody
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