Kalonzo Accuses Ruto Govt Of Deploying Goons In Nairobi CBD Protests

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised key oversight institutions, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), in the wake of violent protests that erupted on Tuesday, June 17.

In a statement, Kalonzo accused IPOA, the National Police Service, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of gross negligence, claiming the unrest was orchestrated with the backing of the state.

"We are witnessing a clear dereliction of duty on the part of the National Police Service, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)," stated Kalonzo.

For most of Tuesday, the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) was engulfed in tension as suspected hired goons launched attacks on protesters calling for justice over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.

Police cars were spotted alongside individuals believed to be goons in the Nairobi CBD on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. /VIRAL TEA KE

The assailants, armed with crude weapons such as knives and clubs, targeted both demonstrators and unsuspecting civilians, stealing handbags, phones, and other valuables.

Kalonzo Musyoka, a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, strongly condemned the violence, alleging that the goons operating in the CBD were acting under instructions from a government official.

"The Kenya Kwanza disastrous regime has absolutely failed Kenyans. Under Ruto's orders, goons on motorbikes supported by the police attempted to disrupt peaceful demonstrations today by terrorising innocent children and people expressing their fundamental rights to demonstrate and picket, as provided under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010," he added.

As protests threatened to spiral into violence, civilians caught in the chaos were reportedly robbed by armed goons in a series of disturbing incidents.

A particularly concerning aspect of the day’s events was the apparent restraint shown by police toward the armed individuals, sparking speculation about possible collusion between the goons and law enforcement in targeting demonstrators.

Outspoken activist Hanifa Adan, who was present in the CBD on Tuesday, claimed she was assaulted by a police officer who snatched her phone during the fracas. Although she eventually recovered the device, Hanifa accused the authorities of enabling the goons to unleash violence amid the protests.

In a video clip seen by Viral Tea, one of the alleged goons is heard admitting to infiltrating the CBD, expressing frustration with the ongoing protests.

The Kenya Red Cross later confirmed that several individuals sustained injuries during the clashes and noted that emergency teams were deployed to assist those affected.