Hired disruptors were paid between KSh1,000 and KSh2,000 to break up protests sparked by the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang. Many confessed they only learned the full details of their assignment upon arrival in the city.
The operation was reportedly coordinated by a senior Nairobi politician, with local estate chairpersons from areas such as Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, and Mathare acting as field commanders. These mobilisers recruited young men from informal settlements, arming them with whips, clubs, and other crude weapons and instructing them to “deal ruthlessly” with anti-government demonstrators.
Boda boda riders were crucial to the plan, each transporting two armed passengers. One recruit from Kawangware revealed he had been assured that police would not interfere. Before moving to the CBD, dozens of motorcycles gathered at a petrol station on Valley Road, where they were paid and refuelled. Eyewitnesses reported that they left chanting anti-protest slogans.
However, chaos erupted on Moi Avenue when they clashed with genuine demonstrators. Several motorcycles were torched, and some goons were beaten. One rider, cornered on Koinange Street, confessed they thought they were hired to protect businesses. Many later admitted they took the job out of economic desperation.
