Vehicles Torched as Protesters Clash with Police in Nairobi CBD

Tensions erupted in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday afternoon as protesters engaged in fierce confrontations with police, leaving parts of the capital in disarray.

Two vehicles were set ablaze along Aga Khan Walk, while several others were vandalized in the ensuing chaos. The clashes, triggered by public anger over the death of teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang in police custody, escalated quickly despite heavy police deployment.

Flashpoint at Harambee Avenue

The protest began when a large crowd emerged from the Ambassador area, marching toward Harambee Avenue, where several government buildings are located. Chanting slogans and holding placards, the demonstrators demanded accountability, calling for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.

Police attempted to disperse the group using tear gas, but protesters retaliated by throwing stones and hurling tear gas canisters back at officers.

City Brought to a Standstill

The standoff intensified, with key junctions in the CBD engulfed in running battles. Along Aga Khan Walk, thick black smoke billowed into the sky as cars were set on fire. Protesters, many of whom had covered their faces, toppled trash bins and damaged public infrastructure.

Businesses closed their doors and pedestrians fled the streets as the normally bustling CBD fell into chaos. Despite police barricades, protesters gained partial access to Harambee Avenue.

Tense Budget Day Atmosphere

The violence unfolded as Treasury CS John Mbadi presented the 2025/26 national budget inside the National Assembly, just a few blocks from the mayhem.

Protesters chanted, “No justice, no budget” and “Lagat must go,” underscoring the growing dissatisfaction with the police service.

By mid-afternoon, security forces had deployed additional reinforcements. Tear gas continued to blanket parts of the city, and law enforcement struggled to contain the demonstrators regrouping at various intersections.

As of 3:00 PM, police had not released an official statement. However, the heavy security presence around Parliament indicated the gravity of the situation.

The demonstrators vowed to sustain their protests until justice for Albert Omondi Ojwang is delivered and key officials held accountable.

In other news: IEBC Official Among Five Public Servants Arrested in Fake Certificates Crackdown

Vehicles Torched as Protesters Clash with Police in Nairobi CBD