Concerns Mount as Nairobi Counter-Protesters Prepare for Major Demonstration

 As tensions rise ahead of a major planned demonstration in Kenya’s capital on Wednesday, fears are growing over the role of stick-wielding civilian groups that have repeatedly appeared alongside police during recent protests. Their presence has drawn widespread concern from rights groups and observers warning of potential escalation and violence.

Among these self-proclaimed counter-protesters is 34-year-old Swaleh Aroko from Korogocho, a low-income settlement in Nairobi. Armed with a wooden club, Aroko said he joins the downtown crowds not to protest, but to defend what he described as “public order and private property” from what he alleges are violent elements within protest movements.

Over the past two weeks, Reuters correspondents have observed Aroko and other similarly armed men—dubbed “goons” by protestors—advancing in unison with police officers toward demonstrators. In multiple instances, the men were seen beating protestors with sticks and rubber whips, raising serious questions about informal collaboration with law enforcement.

Their presence is particularly alarming ahead of Wednesday’s demonstration, which marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly storming of Kenya’s Parliament, where several people lost their lives to police gunfire.

Patriots or Vigilantes?

Speaking to Reuters last week, Aroko rejected the “goon” label, describing himself as a “reformed criminal” and asserting that he and his associates are acting in defense of Nairobi’s Central Business District. He claimed their goal is to prevent violence and looting.

“If you throw stones, we’ll use a cane to disperse you,” Aroko said. “We don’t need to burn our country.”

When asked about specific incidents of violence, Aroko refrained from detailing his own actions but insisted the blame lay with protestors. “It was messy,” he said, “but the violence began on their side.”

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, responding via text, denied any cooperation between the National Police Service and the counter-protesters. “The police do NOT work with ‘goons’,” he stated, adding that authorities were reviewing video footage to assess the incidents and “take appropriate action.”

While the recent protests have largely remained peaceful, reporters documented sporadic outbreaks of violence, including the torching of two vehicles on June 12 and the assault of several counter-protesters by demonstrators.

Allegations of Political Backing

Human rights advocates and civil society groups have expressed concern that these civilian groups may be operating with the tacit approval—or even at the behest—of political figures. Critics point to previous protests in June 2023, where similar groups mobilized during demonstrations against proposed tax hikes. Following the withdrawal of the tax bill by President William Ruto, those protests subsided—only to flare up again this month after the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

According to Aroko and fellow counter-protester Ronald Otieno, their efforts are linked to “Team Sakaja,” an informal group referencing Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, a key ally of President Ruto. “It was our right as governor's boys to protect our city,” Otieno said, though he declined to elaborate on their precise affiliation with Sakaja.

Aroko denied direct links to Sakaja or the county administration, claiming instead that their actions are financed by local business owners who coordinate with law enforcement. He said he is paid 5,000 Kenyan shillings (approx. $39) per protest.

Otieno offered a slightly different account, asserting that Nairobi County Assembly members had personally requested their assistance in safeguarding the city. He declined to identify the individuals involved.

Governor Sakaja has not responded to Reuters’ request for comment, though he has denied any association with groups “that exploit demonstrations to engage in criminal activity” in earlier statements to Kenyan media. Similarly, there has been no response from President Ruto’s office or the Nairobi Chamber of Commerce regarding the allegations of business-backed militias.

Warnings Ahead of Mass Rally

Both Aroko and Otieno confirmed they would be active on the streets again during Wednesday’s rally. They warned protestors to remain nonviolent.

“Come peacefully,” Aroko said. “Because the business community is ready for you. And the government here is ready for you. You can’t burn Nairobi because of one person.”

As Nairobi braces for a potentially volatile day of demonstrations, observers fear that the involvement of unofficial civilian enforcers—operating in tandem with state forces—could further inflame tensions and undermine the right to peaceful assembly in one of Africa’s most influential democracies.