MC Gogo, one of Kenya’s most popular reggae hypemen, has broken his silence following the violent events during the June 17 protests in Nairobi. In a heartfelt message shared online, Gogo called out both rogue police officers and young men allegedly paid to disrupt peaceful demonstrations.
Reacting to the viral footage of a hawker, Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, being shot by police in broad daylight, Gogo said the moment had deeply shaken him. He admitted that the scenes had pushed him to speak out as an activist, a role he had never envisioned for himself.
“I want to talk to the youth,” Gogo began. “It is heartbreaking to watch young men attacking demonstrators in the streets. Some are even harming ordinary citizens just going about their day.” He recounted witnessing a middle-aged man being assaulted and questioned how society had gotten to this point. “You don’t even care who you harm,” he added.
Gogo cautioned young people against accepting money to attack others during protests, emphasizing that many of those demonstrating are doing so out of desperation. “Their lives are just as hard as yours. Some are out there because they can’t take it anymore. How is the little money you’re paid going to help you? Don’t be foolish. Don’t let them use you.”
Addressing the police directly, Gogo expressed horror over the video showing Kariuki being shot at close range. “To all the officers who follow me, there are protocols. If someone breaks the law, arrest them, take them to court. Don’t kill them,” he said. “How do you think their family feels? That could be anyone.”
He urged law enforcement officers to speak to each other, to advocate for restraint, and to remember their duty is to serve and protect. “We are one Kenya. One people. Let’s live in peace.”
Gogo ended his post with a powerful caption: “Let’s not accept being used. End police brutality. Let us love one another.”
Kenyans quickly responded with praise, appreciating Gogo for stepping up and using his platform to promote peace, justice, and unity at a time when the country is facing mounting tension and public outcry over state violence.
By Risper Akinyi
