Korogocho MCA Absalom Odhiambo is pushing back against online accusations that he paid goons to wreck Tuesday’s anti-DIG Eliud Lagat protest in the city centre. In a video posted on X Thursday night, the first-term ward rep insisted he “had no involvement in the protest,” and welcomed a full Directorate of Criminal Investigations probe.
The demonstration started calmly but turned ugly when unidentified men armed with clubs and stones attacked marchers outside the National Archives, sending hawkers and commuters scrambling for cover.
Odhiambo says whoever hired the attackers must face the law. “And if a protest has to happen, it must be done in a very peaceful way. Let the relevant authorities carry out their investigations.”
Some on social media had pointed fingers at the outspoken ODM politician, claiming he organised and financed the disruption. He dismissed those allegations as political smears and warned he will sue anyone “tarnishing my name.”
“I trust the DCI to do their job. They have the resources to find out who hired the goons that disrupted the protest,” he added, urging detectives to track mobile-money trails and CCTV footage.
Mambo imechemka…
Duh! Anaitwa Matach… pic.twitter.com/RSmZruw5hl— Philip Etale (@EtalePhilip) June 19, 2025
Tuesday’s unrest reignited debate on the state’s handling of street demonstrations after several high-profile cases of police brutality. Civil-rights groups now want rapid arrests of the goons, while city traders count losses from smashed stalls and a midday business shutdown.
The DCI has yet to update the public on its investigation by press time, but Odhiambo says he is ready to record a statement and hand over phone records to clear his name.
