On the fourth day of the Free Brian protest in Kivumbini, learning in schools was paralysed by crossfire between police and protesters.

Pupils at Kimathi Secondary and Kimathi Primary schools arrived in the morning to a calm school environment. However, the situation took a drastic turn when protesters clashed violently with police.

Youths from Kivumbini, Flamingo, Manyani, Bondeni and Kwa Rhonda engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with police, resulting in tear gas being fired near the schools.

Protests enter day four in Kivumbini as residents demand the release of Brian Odhiambo who went missing on Saturday after he went fishing at Lake Nakuru.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

More than 500 protesters, including women, threw stones at the police and lit bonfires on the main road leading to the park.

Loud gunshots and tear gas canisters sent most of the young students into shock, with some losing consciousness in class.

At Kimathi Secondary School, journalists from the Nation Media Group and The Standard media had to intervene by administering first aid as they waited for ambulances to take students to hospital.

KWS rangers put out a fire at Lake Nakuru National park that was set by angry protesters.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

After considerable delays, the students were taken to hospitals in vehicles belonging to the various media houses present at the scene, as they were the only ones allowed to pass through police checkpoints and barricades set up by the protesters.

More than 20 students were rushed to Langalanga Hospital for first aid, with many showing signs of breathing difficulties due to the constant cloud of tear gas that engulfed their school.

In addition to the impact on schools, part of Lake Nakuru National Park was set on fire, forcing KWS rangers to work to contain the fires.

Despite the chaos residents have vowed to continue protesting until Brian is released, dead or alive.

A protester shows bullet shells fired at them during the Free Brian protest in Kivumbini.

"We have never received any corporate social responsibility (CSR) from Lake Nakuru National Park, yet the park is in our neighbourhood. We have also lost our loved ones to the lake, while others have suffered life-changing injuries after being brutally beaten by officers for fishing in the lake. I will not stop until we get Brian dead or alive," said one protester.

Businesses along the affected areas were closed for fear of being looted by the protesters.

Brain Odhiambo went missing on Saturday morning, January 18 after eyewitnesses say he was arrested by Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) officers on suspicion of illegal fishing in Lake Nakuru.

Speaking for the first time since Brain's disappearance, KWS says that it had taken note of community concerns over recent incidents in Lake Nakuru National Park involving illegal fishing, a missing person and subsequent demonstrations.

A Journalist helps a police officer with water to wash his face after the officer was overwhelmed by tear gas used to disperse protestors in Kivumbini ward during the fourth day of the free Brian protests on January 23, 2025.

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

"KWS is cooperating fully with all security agencies to establish the facts, ensure justice is done and ensure accountability. KWS officials involved in the matter have recorded statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and investigations are ongoing," read part of the statement.

KWS appealed for calm and urged the public to avoid incitement, lawlessness and destruction of property and to support the ongoing law enforcement efforts.

KWS breaks silence over Brian Odhiambo's disappearance

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Purity Kinuthia