A political event in Kibra turned chaotic as police officers clashed with a group of youths attempting to access Ayany Primary School, where President William Ruto was addressing residents.
The violent confrontation, which saw officers using excessive force to disperse the crowd, has sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans, with many condemning the police for brutality and heavy-handedness.
President William Ruto addresses Nairobi locals on March 11. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
President Ruto was in Kibra as part of his ongoing Nairobi tour, launching various development projects across the city.
Among them was the commissioning of the Lang’ata Technical and Vocational College, an institution designed to equip over 2,000 young people with technical skills to boost economic growth.
However, as crowds gathered to hear the president’s speech, tensions escalated when security officers barred some youths from entering the venue.
Eyewitnesses reported that officers, including plainclothes personnel, aggressively pushed back and assaulted those trying to gain entry.
Videos circulating online captured distressing scenes of police wielding batons and slapping some of the young men as they attempted to plead their case.
President William Ruto during a past inspection tour. Photo: NTV Kenya Source: X
Even those who managed to slip past security were allegedly subjected to rough treatment inside the venue.
The incident has reignited debates over police conduct in managing political gatherings, with many questioning whether such violence was necessary.
Given Kibra’s deep political ties to opposition leader Raila Odinga, some critics speculated that the officers’ actions were politically motivated, aimed at suppressing perceived opposition supporters.
Social media users expressed their outrage, with many calling for accountability and justice for those attacked.
Others highlighted the irony of some Kibra youths, who previously celebrated aligning with Ruto’s administration, now finding themselves on the receiving end of police brutality.
