Gov't supporters or goons? Mystery of protesters on motorbikes in Nairobi CBD

Protesters on motorbikes on Tuesday invaded Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) in support of the ruling administration during Tuesday’s anti-government protests.

The protesters appeared to have been well-organised and mobilised to counter the anti-government protesters.

The group later clashed with other motorbike taxi operators before they ran out of the CBD.

The pro-government protesters had easy access to the CBD, with police virtually standing by and allowing them to carry on with their activities.

They were first observed at fueling stations in the CBD where scores of young men on their motorbikes, appeared to congregate around vehicles whose occupants appeared to be coordinating the day's activities.

They seemed to be preparing for a mission and soon after, the mission became clear when the groups converged at Uhuru Park in the CBD.

In an organised manner, the group, then made its way into the centre of the capital riding on their boda bodas, honking, whistling and chanting pro-government slogans.

The placards they carried also showed their intention to counter any anti-government protests that had been anticipated in the city.

In a break from previous demonstrations, the pro-government protesters were able to access the CBD with little to no hindrance from the pockets of police officers who had been dispatched to the CBD.

They moved from street to street with almost reckless abandon, until another group of boda boda operators based in the CBD came face to face with the pro-government group.

The CBD boda bodas accused the pro-government group of looting.

A confrontation ensued, leaving several people injured and at least two motorbikes burnt to near ashes.

The pro-government protesters eventually departed from the CBD after nearly an hour before they were seen riding towards the outskirts, their mission appearing to have been accomplished.