County cleans up mess after protests spiral into vandalism

Nairobi County government staff work to street clean debris and dirt left behind by protesters. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

What began as a peaceful protest on June 12, demanding justice for Alfred Ojwang, a teacher who died in police custody, quickly devolved into chaos in Nairobi.

The demonstration, held to seek police accountability, took a destructive turn as some protesters vandalized public property, torched cars, and caused widespread damage.

This shift in focus from justice to destruction has stirred a debate online, with citizens like Nairobi City CEC Geoffrey Mosiria pleading for civility.

Nairobi County government staff remove materials left on the streets during the protests. June 13, 2025. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Appealing to protesters, Mosire stated: "Next time, please spare the dustbins. They don't belong to me (Mosiria); they belong to you, the people of Nairobi. Let us not destroy them as we exercise our constitutional rights within the confines of the law."

However, netizens have demanded accountability, calling for the arrest of "goons" posing as protesters.

Some even warned of deeper political gamesmanship, alleging that saboteurs may have been planted to discredit the protest movement ahead of the 2027 elections.

"You have to protect the city, just like they do in the US, Europe & other countries. Reach out for tips here if needed. Otherwise, you'll keep losing all the gains to hired goons planted by your 2027 rivals, hiding behind so-called 'peaceful protests,'" said X user @kipweldone.

Nairobi County government staff work to street clean debris and dirt left behind by protesters. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Still, amid the noise, calls for justice remained strong.

"We need to go to the polling station with photos of Albert," urged @AntonyGich52911, pointing to youth accountability and the need for political memory.