Protests in Nairobi’s CBD demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’ were disrupted on Tuesday by alleged goons riding motorbikes.

The group, many masked and dressed in heavy clothing, armed with whips and clubs, took over key streets including Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Street and Kenyatta Avenue. Witnesses said they appeared to be targeting protestors and causing panic among the public.

It is still unclear who mobilised them, but they were seen confronting protestors who were peacefully marching for justice and accountability following Ojwang’s death in police custody.

Police fired teargas to disperse crowds near Kencom, the National Archives and Kimathi Street, where protestors had earlier paused to pray and sing the national anthem.

Calls for the full resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat have continued, even after he ‘stepped aside’ on Monday pending investigations.

Similar protests have spread to Mombasa and other towns, with demonstrators holding placards reading “Stop killing us” and demanding an end to police brutality.