Who were the masked men spotted during the protests?
Footage from Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations across Nairobi and Kajiado counties has exposed a disturbing new chapter in Kenya’s protest response. Eyewitness videos show a heavily armed, unmarked convoy of masked individuals storming protest hotspots, leaving a trail of fear, death, and unanswered questions.
In Kiserian, phone camera clips captured at least ten high-performance Subaru Outbacks driving in a coordinated convoy. The occupants, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, moved with military precision, armed with high-caliber weapons. Their presence didn’t go unnoticed. In Ngong town, videos revealed the group firing live rounds. Gunshots echoed moments before bodies were seen motionless on the streets.
One striking video showed a man unarmed and giving verbal instructions, appearing to command the masked operatives, suggesting a clear hierarchy within the unit. Despite being heavily armed, the squad didn’t seem interested in arrests. Only one instance was recorded where two suspects were violently subdued, beaten, and loaded into one of the vehicles.
How many casualties have been confirmed so far?
The aftermath was grim. At least two people were reported dead in Kangemi, three in Ngong, one in Kitengela, one in Kamukunji, and two along Jogoo Road. Many of the scenes resembled those seen during June 2024’s anti-government protests, where rapid response units in Mlolongo, Syokimau, Embakasi, and Kitengela were accused of unlawful killings.
Observers have drawn chilling parallels between the two operations. The use of unmarked vehicles, masked faces, and the absence of identifiable police insignia have reignited public fears around accountability and extra-judicial killings. The National Police Service has not issued any confirmation or denial regarding the identity of the group.
What was the wider impact on Nairobi and its surroundings?
The entire capital was placed under lockdown-level security. Armored Personnel Carriers roamed the streets, helicopters circled above, and anti-riot police controlled nearly every intersection. The atmosphere was tense, fortified, and undeniably intimidating.
Public life ground to a halt. Many schools, particularly public day primary and secondary institutions, suspended learning. Businesses stayed closed across various urban hubs, while transport disruptions left thousands stranded.
By Yockshard Enyendi
