What had been intended as protests to demand accountability over the murder of teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody last week turned into an all-out clash pitting three groups: the police, protesters and hired goons.

Their chants of peace were a stark contrast to the situation in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD).

Street after street, businesses hurriedly closed, owners keen to protect their investments. They say they would rather forego the day's sales than witness the destruction of their property and businesses.

"Biashara imesimama, wafanyikazi wengi tunaenda bila mshahara kwa sababu tumefunga," said Douglas Oneno, a hotelier.

Another trader Fadhil Ochanja added: "Nimekuja kutafuta unga, tena naona hakuna unga hapa na unaona mtu unalipwa daily, leo imeenda tu hivyo."

Scarred by last year's protests that also saw them lose hundreds of millions in revenue, the business owners and those employed in the CBD were not taking any chances on Tuesday. They say teargas in the CBD is now becoming synonymous with a bad day for business.

"We are forced to close because the building is under lockdown. Maandamano imeaffect many businesses in Nairobi," said a trader. "The moment wanatuma teargas, kuna commotion, sisi wote tuko affected, hakuna biashara tunafanya."

"In the morning kulikuwa vizuri, goons wamekuja sijui wametoka wapi, wamejihami weee... hata ukituona hapa hatuwezi songa two metres from here," said a business lady Margaret Wanjiru.

Many business establishments, including eateries, banks, retail outlets, phone shops, boutiques and beauty salons, remained closed for the better part of the protests.

Most streets remained deserted as most employees stayed away. Those who reported to work left early—mostly on foot—as transport services were also affected by the protests, with most operators withdrawing their vehicles from the roads.

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"We are trying to get a way of finding our way home. As you can see, hakuna magari, watu wa bike wame scatter, wamejiondoa from the goons," noted another protester.

This is the second time in as many weeks that business and transport have been affected by the protests, as Kenyans continue to push for justice and accountability over the murder of Albert Ojwang.