Activist Hanifa Adan Narrates Being Attacked By Goons In Nairobi CBD
Hanifa, known for her outspoken criticism of police and the Kenya Kwanza administration, found herself trapped in the violence as clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement.
Vantage Ke Writer 
Activist Hanifa Adan was left shaken after reportedly being assaulted amid chaotic protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, June 17. The incident comes as reports continue to emerge of unidentified individuals—believed to be hired goons—riding motorcycles and targeting demonstrators across the city.
Hanifa, known for her outspoken criticism of police and the Kenya Kwanza administration, found herself trapped in the violence as clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement.
Speaking during a live broadcast, she claimed that the protest, initially intended as a peaceful march to Nairobi Central Police Station, was hijacked by thugs who harassed and robbed participants.
Activist Hanifa Adan in a police car (right) on June 18, 2024. /HANIFA ADAN.CITIZEN TV
She further alleged that amid the disorder, one of the goons attacked her and took her phone.
"One of the goons beat me up, took my phone, and I caught his jacket trying to get my phone back as he continued bodying me. Other people joined and caught him, I took my phone and he got beaten up," she wrote on X.
Although she eventually got her phone back, Hanifa accused the authorities of backing the chaos, alleging they were allowing the goons to unleash violence during the protests. "The police are watching as goons terrorise innocent people," she asserted.
The protests began on Tuesday with businesses in the Nairobi CBD grinding to a halt. Protesters stormed Moi Avenue in their dozens as they demanded justice for the late Albert Ojwang, a teacher cum X influencer.
However, what was meant to be peaceful protests turned into a battle between civilians and goons who arrived in droves aboard motorbikes, allegedly hired to disrupt the protests.
Hanifa shared on her social media that protesters managed to capture one of the many goons who had infiltrated the CBD, and the individual was beaten so badly that he needed immediate medical care.
In the chaos, a motorcycle—reportedly linked to the group of goons—was set on fire by enraged demonstrators along Moi Avenue.
The confrontations between the opposing groups spilled over to Koinange Street, where yet another motorcycle was set ablaze as tensions threatened to spiral into further violence. Meanwhile, in Mombasa County, similar demonstrations took place, with locals echoing the same demands as those in Nairobi. Though the protests remained mostly peaceful, four people—including one woman—were arrested and taken to Mombasa's Central Police Station.
Images of a motorcycle which was torched in the Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. /VIRAL TEA KE
