The death of Albert Ojwang, a prominent Kenyan blogger and teacher, while in police custody has sparked nationwide protests and renewed calls for justice. Eyewitnesses report violent clashes in Nairobi, with police and masked attackers targeting demonstrators. Human rights groups condemn the government’s response and highlight a long history of police brutality in Kenya.
Nairobi, June 17, 2025 –
Kenya is reeling from a fresh wave of protests following the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger, teacher, and outspoken social commentator, while in police custody. Demonstrations have erupted across the country, with the fiercest clashes reported in Nairobi, where eyewitnesses describe scenes of tear gas, violent attacks by masked motorcyclists, and a heavy police presence.
Eyewitness Accounts and Key Developments
On Tuesday, June 17, central Nairobi became the epicenter of unrest as thousands gathered to demand justice for Ojwang. Reuters and local media documented police firing tear gas to disperse crowds, while masked men on motorcycles brandishing whips and clubs attacked protesters. Witnesses reported at least one fatality during the clashes, with a man seen lying on the ground with a head injury. The identity of the deceased remains unclear, but the violence has deepened public anger.
Protesters attempted to march toward Parliament and other government buildings, chanting slogans such as “Stop killing us” and “Justice for Albert.” Businesses in central Nairobi shut their doors, and the city’s streets were noticeably quieter than usual. In Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city, parallel demonstrations saw crowds waving placards with similar messages.
The Public’s Reaction
The death of Albert Ojwang has struck a raw nerve among Kenyans, particularly the youth, who see his case as emblematic of systemic police brutality and impunity. “Albert’s voice will not be silenced. This fight is for all of us who want justice and truth in Kenya,” one protester told international media. Social media has been flooded with tributes and calls for action, with hashtags like #JusticeForAlbert trending nationwide.
Teachers’ unions, including the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), have threatened a nationwide strike unless Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat—whose complaint led to Ojwang’s arrest—resigns. Ojwang’s colleagues and students describe him as a passionate educator and fearless commentator on social and political issues.
Statements from Human Rights Organizations
Human rights groups have strongly condemned the police response and the broader culture of violence within Kenya’s security forces. Amnesty International Kenya reported “numerous motorcycles, with two masked riders whipping protesters and bystanders,” and warned that the use of militia would only heighten tensions and chaos. The Human Rights Research Consortium (HRRC) described the crackdown as a “gross violation of fundamental rights” and a continuation of state-sanctioned repression.
Amnesty and other organizations have long documented excessive force by Kenyan police, including the use of live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons against peaceful protesters. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has repeatedly called for accountability, citing over 60 deaths during last year’s protests against the Finance Bill.
Background: Albert Ojwang’s Identity and Activism
Albert Ojwang, originally from Homa Bay in western Kenya, was a teacher and a prominent voice on social media, known for his sharp commentary on political and social issues. He was arrested on June 6, 2025, at his home after allegedly posting critical remarks about Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat on X (formerly Twitter). Police claimed Ojwang had defamed Lagat by accusing him of involvement in a bribery scandal.
Ojwang was transferred over 350 kilometers to Nairobi, where he was detained at the Central Police Station. Two days later, he was found dead in his cell. Police initially claimed he had died from self-inflicted injuries after “hitting his head against a cell wall.” However, an independent autopsy revealed severe head trauma, neck compression, and multiple soft tissue injuries, strongly suggesting he was assaulted.
Context: Police Brutality in Kenya
Kenya has a long history of police brutality, rooted in colonial-era structures and perpetuated by a lack of accountability. The police force is often used to suppress dissent, with officers facing few consequences for abuses. Last year’s protests against the Finance Bill saw police kill at least 60 people and abduct dozens more, according to the KNCHR. Autopsy reports have frequently contradicted police accounts of deaths in custody, fueling public distrust.
Recent reforms, such as court orders requiring police to wear name tags and uniforms during protests, have done little to curb the violence. The government’s response to the current protests—deploying riot police, tear gas, and allegedly collaborating with masked attackers—has only intensified anger and suspicion.
Key Developments Up to June 17, 2025
June 6: Albert Ojwang is arrested in Homa Bay and transferred to Nairobi.
June 8: Ojwang is found dead in his cell at Central Police Station.
June 10–12: Protests erupt in Nairobi, with police firing tear gas and demonstrators attempting to disrupt the national budget presentation.
June 13: A police officer is arrested in connection with Ojwang’s death; investigations continue.
June 16: KUPPET threatens a nationwide strike unless Deputy Inspector General Lagat resigns.
June 17: Violent clashes in central Nairobi, with police and masked attackers targeting protesters. One fatality reported. Protests also take place in Mombasa.
What It Means Going Forward
The death of Albert Ojwang and the ensuing protests have exposed deep-seated frustrations with police brutality and government accountability in Kenya. As the country approaches the anniversary of last year’s deadly Finance Bill protests, public anger shows no signs of abating. The government’s response—marked by violence and opacity—risks further eroding trust in state institutions.
Human rights organizations and civil society are demanding transparent investigations, accountability for police abuses, and structural reforms to ensure justice for victims and their families. The coming weeks will test whether Kenya’s leaders are willing to address these systemic failures or risk further unrest. For now, the streets of Nairobi remain a battleground for the soul of Kenyan democracy.
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