As Kenya braced for nationwide protests on Wednesday, a group of stick-wielding men vowed to defend Nairobi’s city centre, raising fears of renewed violence on the streets.
The group, made up of young men like Swaleh Aroko, 34, from the Korogocho slum, has been a frequent figure in recent demonstrations sparked by the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Reuters journalists observed the men armed with sticks and rubber whips advancing alongside police officers and beating unarmed protesters in the capital over the past two weeks.
The group’s emergence has drawn fierce criticism from rights groups, who have warned of possible collusion between counter-protesters, police and political figures. Rights advocates say the group is acting like a militia suspected of acting on behalf of powerful political interests. Many were seen chanting slogans such as “No protests!” and riding around the city on motorbikes.
Although protesters commonly refer to him as a “hoodlum,” Aroko rejects the label. He describes himself as a reformed criminal who now sees himself as a patriot. “We are defending the property,” he told Reuters. “If you come behind us and start throwing stones, we will get a cane to disperse you. We don’t need to burn down our country.”
Aroko did not give details about his actions against the demonstrators but acknowledged that the situation had become “complicated” and blamed the violence on the protesters. He was allegedly paid 5,000 Kenyan shillings (about $39) for each protest, which was allegedly due to business owners cooperating with police to protect shops and offices in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
His colleague Ronald Otieno described their group as “Team Sakaja,” a reference to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, a political ally of President William Ruto. “As the governor’s children, it was our right to protect our city,” Otieno said, but neither gave details about their official ties. Sakaja denied any involvement in a statement to local media, but did not directly address the men’s allegations.
Police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga said the National Police Service “does not work with ‘hoodlums’” and was reviewing footage from recent protests to determine appropriate action. Despite this, the presence of counter-protesters alongside police has been consistent, particularly during a series of demonstrations last month.
The upcoming protest marks the first anniversary of a deadly rally in which demonstrators stormed parliament and several people were killed by police fire. While recent protests have been largely peaceful, there have been isolated incidents, such as vehicles being torched.
As tensions rise, Aroko and others vowed to return to the streets on Wednesday. His message to protesters: “Come peacefully. Because the business community is ready for you. And the government here is ready for you. You cannot burn Nairobi down because of one person.”