Two vehicles were set ablaze along Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi on Thursday as violent protests broke out, with demonstrators clashing with police officers in a push to reach Harambee Avenue.

The protesters are demanding the removal of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over the controversial death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.

The two vehicles were completely burnt down, reduced to charred shells, while a third car, a light-colored sedan, continued to burn from the front.

A police lorry extinguished the fire.

Smoke and flames filled the street as a large crowd watched, with debris scattered across the road. A blue building in the background and a bystander with outstretched arms, partly hidden by smoke, added to the dramatic scene.

The protests, driven by anger over Ojwang’s death, unfolded as the country awaited the reading of the 2025/2026 national budget, raising tensions further in the capital.

Demonstrators surged from the Ambassador area, throwing stones at police as they moved towards the heavily guarded government precinct.

Tensions rose quickly, with protesters picking up tear gas canisters fired at them and throwing them back at officers.

As the confrontation intensified, protesters vandalised vehicles, overturned trash bins along Harambee Avenue, and left a trail of destruction behind.

Despite heavy police presence, the protesters pushed forward with their demands and broke through police barricades, eventually gaining access to parts of Harambee Avenue.

The running battles continued, with more stones thrown and more tear gas released as police struggled to take back control of the area.