A wave of protests is engulfing Nairobi and Mombasa after the June 8 death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Omondi Ojwang, whose body was found in police custody following his arrest for allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. Initial police claims of suicide have been contradicted by an independent autopsy revealing clear signs of assault—raising serious questions about custodial torture and police violence.
Public Outrage and Unrest
Mass public anger has surged since President William Ruto acknowledged Ojwang died “at the hands of the police,” calling the incident “heartbreaking and unacceptable”. Demonstrators have flooded the streets of Nairobi, chanting slogans like “Stop killing us”, and setting vehicles ablaze in scenes echoing last year’s deadly Anti-Finance Bill protests.
In Mombasa, activists have similarly taken to the streets to condemn extrajudicial killings. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigation has prompted Deputy Inspector General Lagat to temporarily step aside, as two high-ranking officers and a CCTV technician face arrest for evidence tampering.
Violent Escalation
What began as peaceful protests quickly spiraled into confrontations. Police fired tear gas and deployed riot gear against crowds on June 17, while groups of motorcyclists—described by witnesses as “goons”—attacked demonstrators, brandishing whips and clubs .
A Reuters journalist reported at least one protester was killed during the clashes, though details remain unclear. Police issued statements expressing ignorance over the victim’s identity and cause of death.
Civilian Injured by Police Fire
In a stark escalation, the Associated Press documented a masked police officer shooting an apparently unarmed street vendor in the head with shotgun pellets at close range. The victim was rushed to Nairobi’s main referral hospital with critical injuries. Authorities confirmed the arrest of the officer involved.
That incident has further fueled the public’s anger, reinforcing narratives of unchecked police brutality. Even bystanders—like the vendor with no apparent involvement in protests—have fallen victim.
Past Abuses and Call for Reform
Kenya’s experience with state violence is far from new. Last year’s Finance Bill protests saw over 60 deaths, numerous abductions, and widespread allegations of extrajudicial killings. Despite reforms and oversight efforts, convictions have been limited—just 33 in over 10,000 cases investigated by IPOA.
President Ruto, facing renewed calls for accountability, has pledged full cooperation with investigations. IPOA and independent forensic bodies are scrutinizing the case, but public confidence in security institutions remains fragile.
What’s at Stake
Ojwang’s death has become a flashpoint in Kenya’s reckoning with police impunity. Citizens are demanding justice not just for his case, but broader structural reform. The involvement of high-ranking officials and prompt resignations signal some movement toward accountability—but many see this as too little, too late.
With fresh protests planned and international attention mounting, Kenya now faces a critical test: will it confront entrenched abuses head‑on, or continue to see civilians fall victim under its watch?
