Two vehicles torched in Nairobi CBD as protests escalate

The two cars torched by protesters./PHOTO/JANEMOLLY ACHIENG

Protesters have torched two vehicles along Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi.

The chaos erupted in the heart of Nairobi as protesters engaged in violent confrontations with police officers in a dramatic bid to access Harambee Avenue.

This follows earlier protests demanding justice for Albert Ojwang and the resignation of Deputy IG Eliud Lagat.

The situation remains volatile, with a heavy police presence and increasing security concerns in the area.

Two vehicles torched by protesters along Aga Khan walk./PHOTO: LEAH MUKANGAI

In images seen by the Star, the vehicles are engulfed in flames, emitting thick plumes of dark smoke, in what appears to be a street scene.

The inferno has completely consumed two of the vehicles, leaving them as charred husks, while the third, a light-colored sedan, is still visibly burning from the front.

Newly installed dustbins destroyed during the demonstrations in CBD/LEAH MUKANGAI

In the background, a building with a blue facade is partially visible on the left.

To the right, a person with their arms outstretched appears to be observing the chaotic scene, their silhouette partially obscured by the smoke and flames.

The Aga Khan Walk itself shows signs of the intense heat, with debris scattered around the burning vehicles. The fiery tableau unfolds amidst widespread protests in Kenya, sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang.

Newly installed dustbins destroyed during the demonstrations in CBD/LEAH MUKANGAI

The country is also on edge as Kenyans await the reading of the 2025/2026 national budget, adding a layer of tension.

Earlier, the large crowd of demonstrators surged from the Ambassador area, hurling stones at police as they made their way toward the heavily guarded government precinct.

Tensions escalated rapidly, with protesters lobbing back tear gas canisters that had been fired to disperse them.

The running battles caused significant damage in the area. Protesters vandalised some vehicles and overturned trash bins along Harambee Avenue, leaving a trail of destruction.

The atmosphere remained tense as protesters, undeterred by the heavy police presence, pressed forward with their demand to reach Parliament.

Despite initial resistance from law enforcement, the protesters eventually overpowered police barricades and accessed parts of Harambee Avenue.

The stone-throwing continued as officers responded with more tear gas in an effort to regain control.